Ultrasound Tech Pay

Oro Valley vs Tucson: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Oro Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Oro Valley, AZ
$94,632
$45.50/hr
Tucson, AZ
$101,688
$48.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOro Valley, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$94,632$101,688
Hourly Rate$45.50$48.89
Entry Level (P10)$69,106$80,796
25th Percentile$77,708$88,047
75th Percentile$102,575$111,782
Top Earner (P90)$120,926$122,831
Total Employed7230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oro Valley ($94,632) and Tucson ($101,688) ultrasound technologist salaries.Oro ValleyTucsonMedian Salary$94,632$101,688Entry Level (P10)$69,106$80,796Top Earner (P90)$120,926$122,831US Median $101,352

Verdict

Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oro Valley.

The salary gap between Oro Valley and Tucson is $7,056 (7.46%). Tucson's median is +0.33% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oro Valley spans $51,820,Tucson spans $42,035. Oro Valley has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Oro Valley
P10 (Entry)$69,106
P25$77,708
Median$94,632
P75$102,575
P90 (Top)$120,926
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$80,796
P25$88,047
Median$101,688
P75$111,782
P90 (Top)$122,831

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($104,946 effective) pays 9.24% more than Oro Valley ($96,073 effective).

Oro Valley
Nominal: $94,632
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $96,073
Tucson
Nominal: $101,688
CoL Index: 96.896
Adjusted: $104,946

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oro Valley if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($101,688/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($122,831)
  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,946)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Oro Valley grew 5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.1% growth in Tucson over the same period.

Oro Valley, AZ

+5.0%

$85,901 (2024) → $90,186 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+25.1%

$77,490 (2019) → $96,910 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Oro Valley or Tucson?

Tucson has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $101,688/year, compared to Oro Valley at $94,632/year — a difference of $7,056 (7.46%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oro Valley and Tucson?

Oro Valley ultrasound technologists earn $45.50/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $48.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oro Valley to Tucson as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oro Valley and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Oro Valley = $96,073, Tucson = $104,946), job availability (7 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Oro Valley vs Tucson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $69,106 in Oro Valley and $80,796 in Tucson. The Tucson 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