Ultrasound Tech Pay

Austin vs Harlingen: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Austin, TX and Harlingen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$102,842
$49.44/hr
Harlingen, TX
$80,525
$38.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXHarlingen, TX
Median Salary$102,842$80,525
Hourly Rate$49.44$38.72
Entry Level (P10)$66,935$55,907
25th Percentile$81,835$69,044
75th Percentile$107,973$87,681
Top Earner (P90)$120,040$104,819
Total Employed50014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($102,842) and Harlingen ($80,525) ultrasound technologist salaries.AustinHarlingenMedian Salary$102,842$80,525Entry Level (P10)$66,935$55,907Top Earner (P90)$120,040$104,819US Median $101,352

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harlingen.

The salary gap between Austin and Harlingen is $22,317 (27.71%). Austin's median is +1.47% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $53,105,Harlingen spans $48,912. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$66,935
P25$81,835
Median$102,842
P75$107,973
P90 (Top)$120,040
Harlingen
P10 (Entry)$55,907
P25$69,044
Median$80,525
P75$87,681
P90 (Top)$104,819

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($104,870 effective) pays 25.02% more than Harlingen ($83,880 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $102,842
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $104,870
Harlingen
Nominal: $80,525
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $83,880

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,842/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($120,040)
  • Larger job market (500 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,870)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Harlingen if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Austin grew 34.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.3% growth in Harlingen over the same period.

Austin, TX

+34.4%

$72,940 (2019) → $98,010 (2025)

Harlingen, TX

+-3.3%

$79,320 (2024) → $76,742 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Austin or Harlingen?

Austin has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $102,842/year, compared to Harlingen at $80,525/year — a difference of $22,317 (27.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Harlingen?

Austin ultrasound technologists earn $49.44/hr while Harlingen hygienists earn $38.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Harlingen as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Harlingen. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $104,870, Harlingen = $83,880), job availability (500 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Austin vs Harlingen?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $66,935 in Austin and $55,907 in Harlingen. The Austin 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