Ultrasound Tech Pay

Alexandria vs Richmond: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Alexandria, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alexandria, VA
$109,548
$52.66/hr
Richmond, VA
$100,376
$48.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlexandria, VARichmond, VA
Median Salary$109,548$100,376
Hourly Rate$52.66$48.26
Entry Level (P10)$78,538$83,671
25th Percentile$91,962$86,273
75th Percentile$123,708$103,870
Top Earner (P90)$150,474$108,088
Total Employed26440
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alexandria ($109,548) and Richmond ($100,376) ultrasound technologist salaries.AlexandriaRichmondMedian Salary$109,548$100,376Entry Level (P10)$78,538$83,671Top Earner (P90)$150,474$108,088US Median $101,352

Verdict

Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.

The salary gap between Alexandria and Richmond is $9,172 (9.14%). Alexandria's median is +8.09% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $71,936,Richmond spans $24,417. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Alexandria
P10 (Entry)$78,538
P25$91,962
Median$109,548
P75$123,708
P90 (Top)$150,474
Richmond
P10 (Entry)$83,671
P25$86,273
Median$100,376
P75$103,870
P90 (Top)$108,088

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($106,151 effective) pays 3.49% more than Richmond ($102,573 effective).

Alexandria
Nominal: $109,548
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $106,151
Richmond
Nominal: $100,376
CoL Index: 97.858
Adjusted: $102,573

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alexandria if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,548/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($150,474)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,151)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Richmond if…

  • Larger job market (440 employed)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Alexandria grew 23.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.

Alexandria, VA

+23.2%

$84,749 (2024) → $104,401 (2025)

Richmond, VA

+28.6%

$74,390 (2019) → $95,660 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Alexandria or Richmond?

Alexandria has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $109,548/year, compared to Richmond at $100,376/year — a difference of $9,172 (9.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Richmond?

Alexandria ultrasound technologists earn $52.66/hr while Richmond hygienists earn $48.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alexandria to Richmond as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alexandria and Richmond. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alexandria = $106,151, Richmond = $102,573), job availability (26 vs 440 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Alexandria vs Richmond?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $78,538 in Alexandria and $83,671 in Richmond. The Richmond area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov