Ultrasound Tech Pay

Portland vs South Portland: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Portland, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Portland, ME
$106,252
$51.08/hr
South Portland, ME
$105,798
$50.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPortland, MESouth Portland, ME
Median Salary$106,252$105,798
Hourly Rate$51.08$50.86
Entry Level (P10)$83,157$80,150
25th Percentile$87,721$89,259
75th Percentile$112,884$116,949
Top Earner (P90)$140,239$139,316
Total Employed1804
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Portland ($106,252) and South Portland ($105,798) ultrasound technologist salaries.PortlandSouth PortlandMedian Salary$106,252$105,798Entry Level (P10)$83,157$80,150Top Earner (P90)$140,239$139,316US Median $101,352

Verdict

Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.

The salary gap between Portland and South Portland is $454 (0.43%). Portland's median is +4.83% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $57,082,South Portland spans $59,166. South Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Portland
P10 (Entry)$83,157
P25$87,721
Median$106,252
P75$112,884
P90 (Top)$140,239
South Portland
P10 (Entry)$80,150
P25$89,259
Median$105,798
P75$116,949
P90 (Top)$139,316

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, South Portland ($106,223 effective) pays 1.83% more than Portland ($104,314 effective).

Portland
Nominal: $106,252
CoL Index: 101.858
Adjusted: $104,314
South Portland
Nominal: $105,798
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $106,223

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Portland if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,252/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($140,239)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Choose South Portland if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,223)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Portland grew 32.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in South Portland over the same period.

Portland, ME

+32.7%

$76,320 (2019) → $101,260 (2025)

South Portland, ME

+27.8%

$78,883 (2024) → $100,827 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Portland or South Portland?

Portland has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $106,252/year, compared to South Portland at $105,798/year — a difference of $454 (0.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and South Portland?

Portland ultrasound technologists earn $51.08/hr while South Portland hygienists earn $50.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Portland to South Portland as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Portland and South Portland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Portland = $104,314, South Portland = $106,223), job availability (180 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Portland vs South Portland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $83,157 in Portland and $80,150 in South Portland. The Portland area offers higher starting salaries.
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