Ultrasound Tech Pay

Boston vs Chelsea: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$114,584
$55.09/hr
Chelsea, MA
$108,959
$52.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAChelsea, MA
Median Salary$114,584$108,959
Hourly Rate$55.09$52.38
Entry Level (P10)$103,524$78,533
25th Percentile$109,190$91,130
75th Percentile$136,105$117,404
Top Earner (P90)$142,505$138,084
Total Employed1,5906
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($114,584) and Chelsea ($108,959) ultrasound technologist salaries.BostonChelseaMedian Salary$114,584$108,959Entry Level (P10)$103,524$78,533Top Earner (P90)$142,505$138,084US Median $101,352

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.

The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $5,625 (5.16%). Boston's median is +13.06% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $38,981,Chelsea spans $59,551. Chelsea has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$103,524
P25$109,190
Median$114,584
P75$136,105
P90 (Top)$142,505
Chelsea
P10 (Entry)$78,533
P25$91,130
Median$108,959
P75$117,404
P90 (Top)$138,084

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($105,836 effective) pays 5.39% more than Chelsea ($100,423 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $114,584
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $105,836
Chelsea
Nominal: $108,959
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $100,423

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($114,584/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($142,505)
  • Larger job market (1,590 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,836)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Chelsea if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Boston grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Chelsea over the same period.

Boston, MA

+25.1%

$87,320 (2019) → $109,200 (2025)

Chelsea, MA

+-7.1%

$111,806 (2024) → $103,840 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Boston or Chelsea?

Boston has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $114,584/year, compared to Chelsea at $108,959/year — a difference of $5,625 (5.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?

Boston ultrasound technologists earn $55.09/hr while Chelsea hygienists earn $52.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Chelsea. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $105,836, Chelsea = $100,423), job availability (1,590 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Boston vs Chelsea?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $103,524 in Boston and $78,533 in Chelsea. The Boston 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