Ultrasound Tech Pay

Apple Valley vs Duluth: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Apple Valley, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Apple Valley, MN
$96,790
$46.54/hr
Duluth, MN
$99,526
$47.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricApple Valley, MNDuluth, MN
Median Salary$96,790$99,526
Hourly Rate$46.54$47.85
Entry Level (P10)$68,982$82,821
25th Percentile$80,638$88,225
75th Percentile$108,995$108,928
Top Earner (P90)$127,973$128,078
Total Employed1390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Apple Valley ($96,790) and Duluth ($99,526) ultrasound technologist salaries.Apple ValleyDuluthMedian Salary$96,790$99,526Entry Level (P10)$68,982$82,821Top Earner (P90)$127,973$128,078US Median $101,352

Verdict

Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.

The salary gap between Apple Valley and Duluth is $2,736 (2.83%). Duluth's median is -1.80% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $58,991,Duluth spans $45,257. Apple Valley has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Apple Valley
P10 (Entry)$68,982
P25$80,638
Median$96,790
P75$108,995
P90 (Top)$127,973
Duluth
P10 (Entry)$82,821
P25$88,225
Median$99,526
P75$108,928
P90 (Top)$128,078

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($112,119 effective) pays 14.10% more than Apple Valley ($98,264 effective).

Apple Valley
Nominal: $96,790
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $98,264
Duluth
Nominal: $99,526
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $112,119

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Apple Valley if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Duluth if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,526/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($128,078)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,119)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Apple Valley grew 9.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Duluth over the same period.

Apple Valley, MN

+9.8%

$84,039 (2024) → $92,242 (2025)

Duluth, MN

+20.8%

$78,540 (2019) → $94,850 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Apple Valley or Duluth?

Duluth has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $99,526/year, compared to Apple Valley at $96,790/year — a difference of $2,736 (2.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Duluth?

Apple Valley ultrasound technologists earn $46.54/hr while Duluth hygienists earn $47.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Duluth as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Apple Valley and Duluth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Apple Valley = $98,264, Duluth = $112,119), job availability (13 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Apple Valley vs Duluth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $68,982 in Apple Valley and $82,821 in Duluth. The Duluth 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