Houston vs Odessa: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Houston, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Odessa, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,788 | $109,421▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.97 | $52.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,868 | $76,379▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,158 | $86,231▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,570 | $110,859▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,740▲ | $110,859 |
| Total Employed | 1,670▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Houston and Odessa are closely matched on overall ultrasound technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and Odessa is $9,633 (9.65%). Odessa's median is +7.96% 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,Odessa spans $34,480. Houston 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, Odessa ($116,534 effective) pays 15.18% more than Houston ($101,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,740)
- ✓Larger job market (1,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Odessa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,421/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,534)
- ✓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 41.5% growth in Odessa over the same period.
Houston, TX
$72,440 (2019) → $95,100 (2025)
Odessa, TX
$73,710 (2020) → $104,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Odessa, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Houston or Odessa?
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Should I relocate from Houston to Odessa as a ultrasound technologist?
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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