Ultrasound Tech Pay

Smyrna vs Wilmington: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Smyrna, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Smyrna, DE
$95,492
$45.91/hr
Wilmington, DE
$101,001
$48.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSmyrna, DEWilmington, DE
Median Salary$95,492$101,001
Hourly Rate$45.91$48.56
Entry Level (P10)$73,415$70,006
25th Percentile$82,794$82,664
75th Percentile$102,925$110,044
Top Earner (P90)$119,801$131,069
Total Employed510
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Smyrna ($95,492) and Wilmington ($101,001) ultrasound technologist salaries.SmyrnaWilmingtonMedian Salary$95,492$101,001Entry Level (P10)$73,415$70,006Top Earner (P90)$119,801$131,069US Median $101,352

Verdict

Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.

The salary gap between Smyrna and Wilmington is $5,509 (5.77%). Wilmington's median is -0.35% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Smyrna spans $46,386,Wilmington spans $61,063. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Smyrna
P10 (Entry)$73,415
P25$82,794
Median$95,492
P75$102,925
P90 (Top)$119,801
Wilmington
P10 (Entry)$70,006
P25$82,664
Median$101,001
P75$110,044
P90 (Top)$131,069

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($99,313 effective) pays 5.77% more than Smyrna ($93,896 effective).

Smyrna
Nominal: $95,492
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $93,896
Wilmington
Nominal: $101,001
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $99,313

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Smyrna if…

  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Choose Wilmington if…

  • Higher median salary ($101,001/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($131,069)
  • Larger job market (10 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,313)
  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Smyrna grew 15.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Wilmington over the same period.

Smyrna, DE

+15.0%

$79,143 (2024) → $91,005 (2025)

Wilmington, DE

+11.9%

$86,018 (2024) → $96,256 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Smyrna or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $101,001/year, compared to Smyrna at $95,492/year — a difference of $5,509 (5.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Smyrna and Wilmington?

Smyrna ultrasound technologists earn $45.91/hr while Wilmington hygienists earn $48.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Smyrna to Wilmington as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Smyrna and Wilmington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Smyrna = $93,896, Wilmington = $99,313), job availability (5 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Smyrna vs Wilmington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $73,415 in Smyrna and $70,006 in Wilmington. The Smyrna 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