Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $134,279 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Great Falls, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $134,279/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Great Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $139,583 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Compensation in Great Falls, Montana, for experienced ultrasound technologists shows significant potential for those at the top of the field. The projected salary for senior professionals in 2026 reaches a pinnacle of $134,279, marking a substantial gap compared to the median annual salary of $97,241. This income gap reflects the increasing demand for seasoned technologists who bring years of expertise, particularly as roles evolve within healthcare settings. To ascend to this top-tier level of pay, technologists typically require not only extensive clinical experience but also an array of advanced certifications or specializations that distinguish them from their peers. With an average salary that aligns closely to the national figure, those seeking to capitalize on their hard-earned experience can find attractive opportunities in Great Falls.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Great Falls earn between $110,502 and $134,279 per year (2026 est.). This $68,784 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Great Falls median of $97,241 sits 4.06% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Great Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $97,241 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,502 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $134,279 | $135,748 |
In Great Falls, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 38.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Great Falls
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $97,241 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Great Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Great Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $110,502–$134,279 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Great Falls metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ultrasound technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ultrasound technologists in Great Falls with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in Montana who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Ultrasound Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Great Falls
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreat Falls ranks #2 of 7 Montana cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $134,279).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Great Falls ($134,279) is 5.94% above the Montana average P90 ($126,755).
2019 BLS Actual
$100,956
2025 BLS Actual
$127,970
2026 Current Est.
$134,279
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,956 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,041 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,279 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,899 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Great Falls saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $100,956 in 2019 to $127,970 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.93% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $140,899 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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.
Maximizing Your Ultrasound Technologist Earnings in Great Falls
Beyond the attractive salary figures, senior ultrasound technologists in Great Falls can expect varied compensation based on their specializations and employer types. Positions in private practices and specialty clinics may offer enhanced pay due to their focused nature, while large healthcare organizations often provide structured growth paths and additional benefits. Leadership roles, such as clinical coordinators or department directors, further amplify earning potential and job satisfaction. Advanced credentials, including state licensure and optional specialty certifications, augment both the senior ultrasound technologist pay MT and the prospects for career advancement. Moreover, non-salary benefits such as shift differentials and comprehensive health packages contribute significantly to overall compensation, making Great Falls an appealing locale for seasoned ultrasound technologists aiming to advance their careers.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Great Falls in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Great Falls?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Great Falls?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Great Falls?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Great Falls?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $127,970 for ultrasound technologists in the Great Falls metro area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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