Ultrasound Tech Pay

Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Philadelphia, PA
$99,306
$47.74/hr
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$83,155
$39.98/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhiladelphia, PAWilkes-Barre, PA
Median Salary$99,306$83,155
Hourly Rate$47.74$39.98
Entry Level (P10)$84,500$58,717
25th Percentile$88,519$68,842
75th Percentile$107,910$90,646
Top Earner (P90)$121,341$107,408
Total Employed1,66011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Philadelphia ($99,306) and Wilkes-Barre ($83,155) ultrasound technologist salaries.PhiladelphiaWilkes-BarreMedian Salary$99,306$83,155Entry Level (P10)$84,500$58,717Top Earner (P90)$121,341$107,408US Median $101,352

Verdict

Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.

The salary gap between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre is $16,151 (19.42%). Philadelphia's median is -2.02% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $36,841,Wilkes-Barre spans $48,691. Wilkes-Barre has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Philadelphia
P10 (Entry)$84,500
P25$88,519
Median$99,306
P75$107,910
P90 (Top)$121,341
Wilkes-Barre
P10 (Entry)$58,717
P25$68,842
Median$83,155
P75$90,646
P90 (Top)$107,408

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($96,833 effective) pays 13.42% more than Wilkes-Barre ($85,375 effective).

Philadelphia
Nominal: $99,306
CoL Index: 102.554
Adjusted: $96,833
Wilkes-Barre
Nominal: $83,155
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $85,375

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Philadelphia if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,306/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($121,341)
  • Larger job market (1,660 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,833)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Wilkes-Barre if…

  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Philadelphia grew 34.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.6% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.

Philadelphia, PA

+34.9%

$70,180 (2019) → $94,640 (2025)

Wilkes-Barre, PA

+-1.6%

$80,514 (2024) → $79,248 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Philadelphia or Wilkes-Barre?

Philadelphia has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $99,306/year, compared to Wilkes-Barre at $83,155/year — a difference of $16,151 (19.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre?

Philadelphia ultrasound technologists earn $47.74/hr while Wilkes-Barre hygienists earn $39.98/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Wilkes-Barre as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Philadelphia = $96,833, Wilkes-Barre = $85,375), job availability (1,660 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $84,500 in Philadelphia and $58,717 in Wilkes-Barre. The Philadelphia 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