Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Helena, MT: $93,369 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Helena, MT earns a median $93,369/year (≈ $44.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Helena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $97,057 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for ultrasound technologists in Helena, Montana, stands at $93,369. When considering the cost of living in the area—which is slightly below the national average with a cost of living index of 96.2—this salary reflects a reasonable purchasing power for healthcare professionals in the region. The salary range for this occupation spans from $69,428 at the 10th percentile to $121,412 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, suggesting that while local salaries may fall short of the national median annual salary of $101,352 by about 7.88%, they still offer competitive compensation for ultrasound technologists within the Helena job market.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,428 | $33.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,883 | $38.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,369 | $44.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,287 | $50.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,412 | $58.37 |
Median Salary Position
7.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Helena
In Helena, MT, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,984 (2026 est.). At $93,369, the local median is 7.88% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Helena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Helena Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Helena median: $93,369/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Helena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $97,462 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -7.88% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Helena, MT earn a median of $93,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $97,462.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Helena has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Helena, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $93,369 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,057 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,466
2025 BLS Actual
$88,982
2026 Current Est.
$93,369
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,466 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,617 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,817 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,699 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,982 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,369 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,972 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Helena metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $68,466 (2019) to $88,982 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,972 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,506 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,428 – $79,883 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,883 – $93,369 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,369 – $104,287 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,287 – $121,412 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Helena
With only seven ultrasound technologists currently employed in Helena, the job market for this profession remains relatively small but stable. The local cost of living may afford professionals a comfortable lifestyle, despite salaries being lower than national levels. Employers in Helena vary in pay structures, with larger healthcare organizations typically offering higher salaries compared to private practices and community health centers. Variability in compensation also arises from factors such as shift differentials, specialty certifications, and the benefits packages provided. To maximize earnings, ultrasound technologists in Helena may consider pursuing additional certifications or seeking employment with larger entities, which are more likely to offer competitive salary packages and comprehensive benefits. Understanding the local job dynamics can significantly enhance one's earning potential in this specialized field.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Helena?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $88,982 for ultrasound technologistsin the Helena metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Helena 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