Cedar Falls vs Iowa City: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Cedar Falls, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Falls, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,398 | $91,226▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.54 | $43.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,650 | $76,053▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,586 | $76,053▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,078 | $104,049▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,465 | $113,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Falls.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Iowa City is $4,828 (5.59%). Iowa City's median is -9.99% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Falls spans $49,815,Iowa City spans $37,890. Cedar Falls has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Iowa City ($99,691 effective) pays 4.31% more than Cedar Falls ($95,573 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,226/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,943)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,691)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Cedar Falls grew 21.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$68,064 (2024) → $82,339 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$66,420 (2019) → $86,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Cedar Falls or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Falls and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Cedar Falls to Iowa City as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Cedar Falls vs Iowa City?
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.
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