Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Memphis, TN: $105,853 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Memphis, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $105,853/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Memphis's price premium (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $114,834 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Memphis presents an attractive landscape for experienced ultrasound technologists, particularly at the senior level. The projected median annual salary for 2026 is $87,018, yet those at the top of their game can aspire to earn as much as $105,853, allowing these professionals to capitalize on their extensive experience. This notable salary range showcases a marked difference between median pay and top-tier compensation, illustrating the significant financial rewards that await those with advanced skills and years of practice. Achieving this level typically requires not only mastery of imaging techniques but also ongoing education, specialization, and often, strategic career moves within the healthcare system of Memphis.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Memphis earn between $96,420 and $105,853 per year (2026 est.). This $36,295 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Memphis median of $87,018 sits 14.14% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Memphis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $87,018 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,420 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $105,853 | $135,748 |
In Memphis, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 21.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Memphis
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $87,018 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Memphis employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Memphis command premium compensation, often reaching the $96,420–$105,853 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Memphis 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 Memphis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in Tennessee 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 Memphis
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMemphis ranks #16 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $105,853).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Memphis ($105,853) is 1.15% below the Tennessee average P90 ($107,083).
2019 BLS Actual
$81,900
2025 BLS Actual
$100,880
2026 Current Est.
$105,853
2019–2027 Growth
+35.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,853 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,072 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Memphis saw their compensation grow 23.2% from $81,900 in 2019 to $100,880 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 $111,072 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 Memphis
When exploring the dynamics of senior ultrasound technologist pay in TN, specialized skills can drastically influence earning potential. Technologists with expertise in areas such as vascular ultrasound or echocardiography often receive premium compensation, particularly in larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. Compensation models vary significantly depending on employer type; private practices might offer different incentives compared to community health centers, such as shift differentials or robust benefits structures. Advancement opportunities further enhance the attractiveness of this field—lead practitioners or clinical coordinators can elevate their roles beyond technical duties. Additionally, obtaining advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body can strengthen a technologist's standing, opening doors to higher wages in Memphis while enabling solid career growth in a competitive sector.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Memphis in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Memphis?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Memphis?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Memphis?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Memphis?
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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 $100,880 for ultrasound technologists in the Memphis 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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