Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,622 | $83,155▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.73 | $39.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,741▲ | $58,717 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,640▲ | $68,842 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,832▲ | $90,646 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,940 | $107,408▲ |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wilkes-Barre, PA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre is $533 (0.65%). Wilkes-Barre's median is -17.95% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $33,199,Wilkes-Barre spans $48,691. Wilkes-Barre has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($87,273 effective) pays 2.22% more than Wilkes-Barre ($85,375 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,273)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,155/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,408)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Pittsburgh grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.6% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,570 (2019) → $78,740 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$80,514 (2024) → $79,248 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Pittsburgh or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre?
Related Comparisons
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