Ultrasound Tech Pay

Ashland vs Louisville: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Ashland, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ashland, KY
$83,712
$40.25/hr
Louisville, KY
$98,675
$47.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAshland, KYLouisville, KY
Median Salary$83,712$98,675
Hourly Rate$40.25$47.44
Entry Level (P10)$60,643$63,898
25th Percentile$70,144$77,935
75th Percentile$89,589$111,378
Top Earner (P90)$104,394$136,658
Total Employed4132
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ashland ($83,712) and Louisville ($98,675) ultrasound technologist salaries.AshlandLouisvilleMedian Salary$83,712$98,675Entry Level (P10)$60,643$63,898Top Earner (P90)$104,394$136,658US Median $101,352

Verdict

Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.

The salary gap between Ashland and Louisville is $14,963 (17.87%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $43,751,Louisville spans $72,760. Louisville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Ashland
P10 (Entry)$60,643
P25$70,144
Median$83,712
P75$89,589
P90 (Top)$104,394
Louisville
P10 (Entry)$63,898
P25$77,935
Median$98,675
P75$111,378
P90 (Top)$136,658

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($110,498 effective) pays 17.87% more than Ashland ($93,742 effective).

Ashland
Nominal: $83,712
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $93,742
Louisville
Nominal: $98,675
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $110,498

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ashland if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Louisville if…

  • Higher median salary ($98,675/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($136,658)
  • Larger job market (132 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,498)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Ashland grew 30.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Louisville over the same period.

Ashland, KY

+30.4%

$61,166 (2024) → $79,779 (2025)

Louisville, KY

+34.2%

$70,098 (2024) → $94,039 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Ashland or Louisville?

Louisville has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $98,675/year, compared to Ashland at $83,712/year — a difference of $14,963 (17.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Louisville?

Ashland ultrasound technologists earn $40.25/hr while Louisville hygienists earn $47.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ashland to Louisville as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ashland and Louisville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ashland = $93,742, Louisville = $110,498), job availability (4 vs 132 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Ashland vs Louisville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $60,643 in Ashland and $63,898 in Louisville. The Louisville 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