Ultrasound Tech Pay

Auburn vs Kennewick: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Auburn, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Auburn, WA
$111,767
$53.73/hr
Kennewick, WA
$109,117
$52.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAuburn, WAKennewick, WA
Median Salary$111,767$109,117
Hourly Rate$53.73$52.46
Entry Level (P10)$74,020$62,979
25th Percentile$93,235$101,709
75th Percentile$125,851$133,083
Top Earner (P90)$151,979$133,964
Total Employed2380
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Auburn ($111,767) and Kennewick ($109,117) ultrasound technologist salaries.AuburnKennewickMedian Salary$111,767$109,117Entry Level (P10)$74,020$62,979Top Earner (P90)$151,979$133,964US Median $101,352

Verdict

Auburn, WA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.

The salary gap between Auburn and Kennewick is $2,650 (2.43%). Auburn's median is +10.28% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $77,959,Kennewick spans $70,985. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Auburn
P10 (Entry)$74,020
P25$93,235
Median$111,767
P75$125,851
P90 (Top)$151,979
Kennewick
P10 (Entry)$62,979
P25$101,709
Median$109,117
P75$133,083
P90 (Top)$133,964

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($109,031 effective) pays 4.77% more than Auburn ($104,066 effective).

Auburn
Nominal: $111,767
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $104,066
Kennewick
Nominal: $109,117
CoL Index: 100.079
Adjusted: $109,031

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Auburn if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,767/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($151,979)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Kennewick if…

  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,031)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Auburn grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Kennewick over the same period.

Auburn, WA

+-10.4%

$118,899 (2024) → $106,516 (2025)

Kennewick, WA

+16.5%

$89,230 (2019) → $103,990 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Auburn or Kennewick?

Auburn has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $111,767/year, compared to Kennewick at $109,117/year — a difference of $2,650 (2.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Kennewick?

Auburn ultrasound technologists earn $53.73/hr while Kennewick hygienists earn $52.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Auburn to Kennewick as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Auburn and Kennewick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Auburn = $104,066, Kennewick = $109,031), job availability (23 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Auburn vs Kennewick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $74,020 in Auburn and $62,979 in Kennewick. The Auburn 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