Ultrasound Tech Pay

Anderson vs Columbia: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Anderson, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Anderson, SC
$90,745
$43.63/hr
Columbia, SC
$88,603
$42.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnderson, SCColumbia, SC
Median Salary$90,745$88,603
Hourly Rate$43.63$42.60
Entry Level (P10)$65,740$72,958
25th Percentile$76,072$77,869
75th Percentile$97,881$93,797
Top Earner (P90)$115,507$102,013
Total Employed5320
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Anderson ($90,745) and Columbia ($88,603) ultrasound technologist salaries.AndersonColumbiaMedian Salary$90,745$88,603Entry Level (P10)$65,740$72,958Top Earner (P90)$115,507$102,013US Median $101,352

Verdict

Anderson, SC offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.

The salary gap between Anderson and Columbia is $2,142 (2.42%). Anderson's median is -10.47% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $49,767,Columbia spans $29,055. Anderson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Anderson
P10 (Entry)$65,740
P25$76,072
Median$90,745
P75$97,881
P90 (Top)$115,507
Columbia
P10 (Entry)$72,958
P25$77,869
Median$88,603
P75$93,797
P90 (Top)$102,013

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Anderson ($99,175 effective) pays 4.84% more than Columbia ($94,599 effective).

Anderson
Nominal: $90,745
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $99,175
Columbia
Nominal: $88,603
CoL Index: 93.662
Adjusted: $94,599

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Anderson if…

  • Higher median salary ($90,745/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,507)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,175)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Columbia if…

  • Larger job market (320 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Anderson grew 28.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Columbia over the same period.

Anderson, SC

+28.7%

$67,195 (2024) → $86,481 (2025)

Columbia, SC

+26.7%

$66,630 (2019) → $84,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Anderson or Columbia?

Anderson has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $90,745/year, compared to Columbia at $88,603/year — a difference of $2,142 (2.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Columbia?

Anderson ultrasound technologists earn $43.63/hr while Columbia hygienists earn $42.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Anderson to Columbia as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Anderson and Columbia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Anderson = $99,175, Columbia = $94,599), job availability (5 vs 320 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Anderson vs Columbia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $65,740 in Anderson and $72,958 in Columbia. The Columbia 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