Altoona vs Philadelphia: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Altoona, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,320 | $99,306▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.10 | $47.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,380 | $84,500▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,266 | $88,519▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,606 | $107,910▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,312 | $121,341▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,660▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Philadelphia is $17,986 (22.12%). Philadelphia's median is -2.02% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $44,932,Philadelphia spans $36,841. Altoona has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($96,833 effective) pays 15.98% more than Altoona ($83,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,306/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,341)
- ✓Larger job market (1,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,833)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Altoona grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.9% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$60,290 (2019) → $77,499 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$70,180 (2019) → $94,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Altoona or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altoona and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Altoona to Philadelphia as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Altoona vs Philadelphia?
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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
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