Ultrasound Tech Pay

Charleston vs Spartanburg: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Charleston, SC and Spartanburg, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charleston, SC
$92,422
$44.44/hr
Spartanburg, SC
$86,462
$41.57/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharleston, SCSpartanburg, SC
Median Salary$92,422$86,462
Hourly Rate$44.44$41.57
Entry Level (P10)$81,006$73,514
25th Percentile$87,396$86,462
75th Percentile$113,555$86,462
Top Earner (P90)$113,555$100,072
Total Employed21090
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charleston ($92,422) and Spartanburg ($86,462) ultrasound technologist salaries.CharlestonSpartanburgMedian Salary$92,422$86,462Entry Level (P10)$81,006$73,514Top Earner (P90)$113,555$100,072US Median $101,352

Verdict

Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spartanburg.

The salary gap between Charleston and Spartanburg is $5,960 (6.89%). Charleston's median is -8.81% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $32,549,Spartanburg spans $26,558. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Charleston
P10 (Entry)$81,006
P25$87,396
Median$92,422
P75$113,555
P90 (Top)$113,555
Spartanburg
P10 (Entry)$73,514
P25$86,462
Median$86,462
P75$86,462
P90 (Top)$100,072

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spartanburg ($94,960 effective) pays 3.73% more than Charleston ($91,541 effective).

Charleston
Nominal: $92,422
CoL Index: 100.962
Adjusted: $91,541
Spartanburg
Nominal: $86,462
CoL Index: 91.051
Adjusted: $94,960

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Charleston if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,422/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,555)
  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Spartanburg if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,960)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Charleston grew 19.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Spartanburg over the same period.

Charleston, SC

+19.5%

$73,710 (2019) → $88,080 (2025)

Spartanburg, SC

+16.7%

$70,590 (2019) → $82,400 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Charleston or Spartanburg?

Charleston has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $92,422/year, compared to Spartanburg at $86,462/year — a difference of $5,960 (6.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Spartanburg?

Charleston ultrasound technologists earn $44.44/hr while Spartanburg hygienists earn $41.57/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charleston to Spartanburg as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charleston and Spartanburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charleston = $91,541, Spartanburg = $94,960), job availability (210 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Charleston vs Spartanburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $81,006 in Charleston and $73,514 in Spartanburg. The Charleston 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