Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $121,684 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Grand Forks, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $121,684/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Grand Forks's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $132,265 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Grand Forks, ND, the potential for a senior ultrasound technologist to earn a top-tier salary is substantial, with 2026 projections indicating that the 90th percentile can reach as high as $121,684. This amount stands as a compelling incentive for experienced professionals, especially when compared to the median annual salary in the city, which is projected to be $93,770. The significant gap between this median and the top earners emphasizes the value of advanced skill sets and specialized training in this field. Achieving such high compensation requires not just years of experience—typically over seven—but also expertise in specific ultrasound modalities and a proactive approach to professional development.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Grand Forks earn between $103,929 and $121,684 per year (2026 est.). This $57,266 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Grand Forks median of $93,770 sits 7.48% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Grand Forks | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $93,770 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,929 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $121,684 | $135,748 |
In Grand Forks, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 29.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Grand Forks
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $93,770 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Grand Forks employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Grand Forks command premium compensation, often reaching the $103,929–$121,684 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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 North Dakota 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 Grand Forks
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGrand Forks ranks #3 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $121,684).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Grand Forks ($121,684) is 10.6% above the North Dakota average P90 ($110,025).
2019 BLS Actual
$91,486
2025 BLS Actual
$115,967
2026 Current Est.
$121,684
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,486 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,427 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,569 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,251 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,684 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,683 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Grand Forks saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $91,486 in 2019 to $115,967 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 $127,683 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
At the senior level, compensation for ultrasound technologists can vary greatly depending on their area of specialization and the type of employer. For example, those working in specialty clinics or large healthcare organizations in Grand Forks may command higher salaries due to the demand for advanced skills, such as vascular or cardiac ultrasound. Furthermore, those seeking advancement can explore leadership roles including clinical coordinator or department director, which may offer both increased responsibilities and higher pay. Enhanced credentials, such as state licensure coupled with specialized certifications, can significantly enhance earning potential in North Dakota. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors like shift differentials, the benefits structure of larger employers, and opportunities for continuing education can further boost overall remuneration for experienced ultrasound technologists in the region.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Grand Forks in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Grand Forks?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Grand Forks?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Grand Forks?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Grand Forks?
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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
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 $115,967 for ultrasound technologists in the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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