Ultrasound Tech Pay

Central vs Slidell: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Central, LA and Slidell, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Central, LA
$82,667
$39.75/hr
Slidell, LA
$86,672
$41.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCentral, LASlidell, LA
Median Salary$82,667$86,672
Hourly Rate$39.75$41.67
Entry Level (P10)$61,895$68,708
25th Percentile$71,041$79,327
75th Percentile$90,857$99,295
Top Earner (P90)$107,997$107,532
Total Employed580
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Central ($82,667) and Slidell ($86,672) ultrasound technologist salaries.CentralSlidellMedian Salary$82,667$86,672Entry Level (P10)$61,895$68,708Top Earner (P90)$107,997$107,532US Median $101,352

Verdict

Slidell, LA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Central.

The salary gap between Central and Slidell is $4,005 (4.84%). Slidell's median is -14.48% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central spans $46,102,Slidell spans $38,824. Central has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Central
P10 (Entry)$61,895
P25$71,041
Median$82,667
P75$90,857
P90 (Top)$107,997
Slidell
P10 (Entry)$68,708
P25$79,327
Median$86,672
P75$99,295
P90 (Top)$107,532

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Slidell ($93,471 effective) pays 2.10% more than Central ($91,547 effective).

Central
Nominal: $82,667
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $91,547
Slidell
Nominal: $86,672
CoL Index: 92.726
Adjusted: $93,471

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Central if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($107,997)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Slidell if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,672/year)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,471)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Central grew 29.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Slidell over the same period.

Central, LA

+29.7%

$60,723 (2024) → $78,783 (2025)

Slidell, LA

+7.2%

$77,060 (2024) → $82,600 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Central or Slidell?

Slidell has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $86,672/year, compared to Central at $82,667/year — a difference of $4,005 (4.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Central and Slidell?

Central ultrasound technologists earn $39.75/hr while Slidell hygienists earn $41.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Central to Slidell as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Central and Slidell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Central = $91,547, Slidell = $93,471), job availability (5 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Central vs Slidell?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $61,895 in Central and $68,708 in Slidell. The Slidell 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