Ultrasound Tech Pay

Houston vs Murphy: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Houston, TX and Murphy, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Houston, TX
$99,788
$47.97/hr
Murphy, TX
$80,126
$38.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXMurphy, TX
Median Salary$99,788$80,126
Hourly Rate$47.97$38.52
Entry Level (P10)$74,868$61,318
25th Percentile$86,158$69,265
75th Percentile$105,570$87,869
Top Earner (P90)$111,740$102,957
Total Employed1,6705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($99,788) and Murphy ($80,126) ultrasound technologist salaries.HoustonMurphyMedian Salary$99,788$80,126Entry Level (P10)$74,868$61,318Top Earner (P90)$111,740$102,957US Median $101,352

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murphy.

The salary gap between Houston and Murphy is $19,662 (24.54%). Houston's median is -1.54% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $36,872,Murphy spans $41,639. Murphy has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$74,868
P25$86,158
Median$99,788
P75$105,570
P90 (Top)$111,740
Murphy
P10 (Entry)$61,318
P25$69,265
Median$80,126
P75$87,869
P90 (Top)$102,957

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($101,175 effective) pays 21.22% more than Murphy ($83,465 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $99,788
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $101,175
Murphy
Nominal: $80,126
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $83,465

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,788/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($111,740)
  • Larger job market (1,670 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,175)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Murphy if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Houston grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Murphy over the same period.

Houston, TX

+31.3%

$72,440 (2019) → $95,100 (2025)

Murphy, TX

+4.9%

$72,774 (2024) → $76,361 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Houston or Murphy?

Houston has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $99,788/year, compared to Murphy at $80,126/year — a difference of $19,662 (24.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Murphy?

Houston ultrasound technologists earn $47.97/hr while Murphy hygienists earn $38.52/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to Murphy as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Murphy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $101,175, Murphy = $83,465), job availability (1,670 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Houston vs Murphy?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $74,868 in Houston and $61,318 in Murphy. The Houston 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