Altoona vs Pittsburgh: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Altoona, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,320 | $82,622▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.10 | $39.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,380 | $71,741▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,266 | $73,640▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,606 | $92,832▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,312▲ | $104,940 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Pittsburgh is $1,302 (1.60%). Pittsburgh's median is -18.48% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $44,932,Pittsburgh spans $33,199. Altoona has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($87,273 effective) pays 4.53% more than Altoona ($83,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,312)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,622/year)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,273)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Altoona grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$60,290 (2019) → $77,499 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,570 (2019) → $78,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Altoona or Pittsburgh?
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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
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