Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in SeaTac, WA: $77,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the SeaTac, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,447 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out SeaTac's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,111 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,799) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate entering the field of ultrasound technology in SeaTac can expect a starting salary of around $77,447 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay spectrum for entry-level positions, which is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $110,799. For those early in their careers, there is potential for salary growth as they gain experience and accumulate credentials. The progression from a starting salary to the 25th percentile at $91,145, and then toward the median, suggests a promising financial trajectory within the first few years of employment. Therefore, SeaTac presents a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish their careers in the healthcare industry.
About the SeaTac Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in SeaTac
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in SeaTac
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in SeaTac, WA typically start between $77,447 and $91,145 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,566 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,799 — 9.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 41.32% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($77,447/year) in SeaTac. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
Ultrasound Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in SeaTac
- 1Research the SeaTac market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $77,447 to $91,145, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical imaging field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in SeaTac, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in SeaTac for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5SeaTac's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in SeaTac is $71,566 ( 92.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,447, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,013.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,429
2025 BLS Actual
$73,808
2026 Current Est.
$77,447
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,429 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,539 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,906 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,854 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,302 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,808 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,265 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in SeaTac, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,429 in 2019 to $73,808 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,265. New graduates entering the SeaTac job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the SeaTac metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical imaging Career in SeaTac
A variety of employers in SeaTac, including major hospital systems and corporate practices, actively seek new grad ultrasound technologists, offering structured onboarding, which can ease the transition into the professional environment. Obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing optional advanced certifications can significantly elevate starting pay in Washington. New graduates should focus on building experience and may realistically see upward movement in their salaries over the first few years. Employers often offer varied compensation packages, impacted by type and geographic location, highlighting the importance of aligning career strategies with their chosen workplace settings. For those in the first three years of their careers, a steady increase in earnings is anticipated as they leverage skills and prove their value in this growing job market.
More salary data for SeaTac, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in SeaTac in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in SeaTac?
Is medical imaging school worth it in SeaTac?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in SeaTac?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Washington?
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Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical imaging graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in SeaTac. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for SeaTac is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov