Ultrasound Tech Pay

Athens vs Atlanta: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Athens, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Athens, GA
$79,453
$38.19/hr
Atlanta, GA
$93,325
$44.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAthens, GAAtlanta, GA
Median Salary$79,453$93,325
Hourly Rate$38.19$44.87
Entry Level (P10)$57,974$72,947
25th Percentile$75,529$84,101
75th Percentile$87,795$106,347
Top Earner (P90)$99,904$113,608
Total Employed901,380
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Athens ($79,453) and Atlanta ($93,325) ultrasound technologist salaries.AthensAtlantaMedian Salary$79,453$93,325Entry Level (P10)$57,974$72,947Top Earner (P90)$99,904$113,608US Median $101,352

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.

The salary gap between Athens and Atlanta is $13,872 (17.46%). Atlanta's median is -7.92% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $41,930,Atlanta spans $40,661. Athens has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Athens
P10 (Entry)$57,974
P25$75,529
Median$79,453
P75$87,795
P90 (Top)$99,904
Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$72,947
P25$84,101
Median$93,325
P75$106,347
P90 (Top)$113,608

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($93,271 effective) pays 9.58% more than Athens ($85,119 effective).

Athens
Nominal: $79,453
CoL Index: 93.343
Adjusted: $85,119
Atlanta
Nominal: $93,325
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $93,271

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Athens if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($93,325/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,608)
  • Larger job market (1,380 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,271)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Athens grew 10.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.2% growth in Atlanta over the same period.

Athens, GA

+10.8%

$68,320 (2019) → $75,720 (2025)

Atlanta, GA

+41.2%

$63,010 (2019) → $88,940 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Athens or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $93,325/year, compared to Athens at $79,453/year — a difference of $13,872 (17.46%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Atlanta?

Athens ultrasound technologists earn $38.19/hr while Atlanta hygienists earn $44.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Athens to Atlanta as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Athens and Atlanta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Athens = $85,119, Atlanta = $93,271), job availability (90 vs 1,380 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Athens vs Atlanta?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $57,974 in Athens and $72,947 in Atlanta. The Atlanta 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