Ultrasound Tech Pay

Richland vs Seattle: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Richland, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Richland, WA
$111,391
$53.56/hr
Seattle, WA
$136,367
$65.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichland, WASeattle, WA
Median Salary$111,391$136,367
Hourly Rate$53.56$65.56
Entry Level (P10)$77,877$63,934
25th Percentile$91,669$109,348
75th Percentile$121,866$145,286
Top Earner (P90)$145,388$170,018
Total Employed151,190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richland ($111,391) and Seattle ($136,367) ultrasound technologist salaries.RichlandSeattleMedian Salary$111,391$136,367Entry Level (P10)$77,877$63,934Top Earner (P90)$145,388$170,018US Median $101,352

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richland.

The salary gap between Richland and Seattle is $24,976 (22.42%). Seattle's median is +34.55% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richland spans $67,511,Seattle spans $106,084. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Richland
P10 (Entry)$77,877
P25$91,669
Median$111,391
P75$121,866
P90 (Top)$145,388
Seattle
P10 (Entry)$63,934
P25$109,348
Median$136,367
P75$145,286
P90 (Top)$170,018

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($122,706 effective) pays 18.31% more than Richland ($103,716 effective).

Richland
Nominal: $111,391
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $103,716
Seattle
Nominal: $136,367
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $122,706

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Richland if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($136,367/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($170,018)
  • Larger job market (1,190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,706)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Richland grew -12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.2% growth in Seattle over the same period.

Richland, WA

+-12.7%

$121,567 (2024) → $106,157 (2025)

Seattle, WA

+38.2%

$94,020 (2019) → $129,960 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Richland or Seattle?

Seattle has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $136,367/year, compared to Richland at $111,391/year — a difference of $24,976 (22.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richland and Seattle?

Richland ultrasound technologists earn $53.56/hr while Seattle hygienists earn $65.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Richland to Seattle as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richland and Seattle. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richland = $103,716, Seattle = $122,706), job availability (15 vs 1,190 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Richland vs Seattle?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $77,877 in Richland and $63,934 in Seattle. The Richland 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