Ultrasound Tech Pay

Bear vs Smyrna: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Bear, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bear, DE
$98,778
$47.49/hr
Smyrna, DE
$95,492
$45.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBear, DESmyrna, DE
Median Salary$98,778$95,492
Hourly Rate$47.49$45.91
Entry Level (P10)$73,238$73,415
25th Percentile$83,677$82,794
75th Percentile$104,618$102,925
Top Earner (P90)$120,938$119,801
Total Employed65
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bear ($98,778) and Smyrna ($95,492) ultrasound technologist salaries.BearSmyrnaMedian Salary$98,778$95,492Entry Level (P10)$73,238$73,415Top Earner (P90)$120,938$119,801US Median $101,352

Verdict

Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.

The salary gap between Bear and Smyrna is $3,286 (3.44%). Bear's median is -2.54% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $47,700,Smyrna spans $46,386. Bear has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bear
P10 (Entry)$73,238
P25$83,677
Median$98,778
P75$104,618
P90 (Top)$120,938
Smyrna
P10 (Entry)$73,415
P25$82,794
Median$95,492
P75$102,925
P90 (Top)$119,801

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bear ($97,127 effective) pays 3.44% more than Smyrna ($93,896 effective).

Bear
Nominal: $98,778
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $97,127
Smyrna
Nominal: $95,492
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $93,896

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bear if…

  • Higher median salary ($98,778/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($120,938)
  • Larger job market (6 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,127)
  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Choose Smyrna if…

  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Bear grew 15.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Smyrna over the same period.

Bear, DE

+15.0%

$81,867 (2024) → $94,137 (2025)

Smyrna, DE

+15.0%

$79,143 (2024) → $91,005 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Bear or Smyrna?

Bear has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $98,778/year, compared to Smyrna at $95,492/year — a difference of $3,286 (3.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Smyrna?

Bear ultrasound technologists earn $47.49/hr while Smyrna hygienists earn $45.91/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bear to Smyrna as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bear and Smyrna. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bear = $97,127, Smyrna = $93,896), job availability (6 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Bear vs Smyrna?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $73,238 in Bear and $73,415 in Smyrna. The Smyrna area offers higher starting salaries.
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