Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Bristol, VA: $80,980 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Bristol, VA earns a median $80,980/year (≈ $38.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $78,469 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for ultrasound technologists is $80,980 in 2026, which represents a significant gap of approximately 20.10% less than the national median of $101,352. The local salary range extends from $60,527 at the 10th percentile to $102,460 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. For many ultrasound technologists in the area, this compensation reflects the specific cost-of-living adjustments characteristic of Bristol, which has a cost of living index of 103.2, slightly above the national average. This local economic context highlights how salaries for healthcare professionals, including ultrasound technologists, are structured in relation to both regional affordability and competitive pay scales.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,527 | $29.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,953 | $33.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,980 | $38.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,818 | $42.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,460 | $49.26 |
Median Salary Position
20.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,933 (2026 est.). At $80,980, the local median is 20.1% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $80,980/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $92,022 | -12.00% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -20.10% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Bristol, VA earn a median of $80,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.10% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 12.00% below the Virginia state average of $92,022.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,980 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,469 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,381
2025 BLS Actual
$77,175
2026 Current Est.
$80,980
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,381 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,998 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,491 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,376 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,175 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,980 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,972 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $59,381 (2019) to $77,175 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,972 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,591 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,527 – $68,953 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,953 – $80,980 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,980 – $87,818 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,818 – $102,460 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Bristol
Analyzing the job market in Bristol, there are only 6 ultrasound technologists currently employed, which emphasizes the localized demand for this profession. Given the cost of living in the area, this translates to a unique take-home purchasing power scenario. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics generally offer higher compensation compared to private practices or community health centers. Variations in ultrasound technologist pay in Bristol, VA, stem from several factors like shift differentials, the complexity of procedures performed, and the overall size of the healthcare facility. For those looking to enhance their earnings, pursuing additional certifications or specialty training could also make a significant difference in pay. Overall, understanding these elements can empower professionals in the field to strategically navigate their career paths within Bristol’s distinct healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Bristol, VA in 2026?
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ultrasound technologist salary in Bristol?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,175 for ultrasound technologistsin the Bristol metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov