Ultrasound Tech Pay

Charlotte vs Cornelius: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Cornelius, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charlotte, NC
$103,513
$49.77/hr
Cornelius, NC
$86,471
$41.57/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharlotte, NCCornelius, NC
Median Salary$103,513$86,471
Hourly Rate$49.77$41.57
Entry Level (P10)$81,919$65,987
25th Percentile$87,501$75,229
75th Percentile$107,543$92,683
Top Earner (P90)$113,272$109,101
Total Employed7307
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charlotte ($103,513) and Cornelius ($86,471) ultrasound technologist salaries.CharlotteCorneliusMedian Salary$103,513$86,471Entry Level (P10)$81,919$65,987Top Earner (P90)$113,272$109,101US Median $101,352

Verdict

Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cornelius.

The salary gap between Charlotte and Cornelius is $17,042 (19.71%). Charlotte's median is +2.13% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $31,353,Cornelius spans $43,114. Cornelius has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Charlotte
P10 (Entry)$81,919
P25$87,501
Median$103,513
P75$107,543
P90 (Top)$113,272
Cornelius
P10 (Entry)$65,987
P25$75,229
Median$86,471
P75$92,683
P90 (Top)$109,101

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($106,333 effective) pays 15.10% more than Cornelius ($92,384 effective).

Charlotte
Nominal: $103,513
CoL Index: 97.348
Adjusted: $106,333
Cornelius
Nominal: $86,471
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $92,384

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Charlotte if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,513/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,272)
  • Larger job market (730 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,333)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Cornelius if…

  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Charlotte grew 36.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.4% growth in Cornelius over the same period.

Charlotte, NC

+36.8%

$72,100 (2019) → $98,650 (2025)

Cornelius, NC

+14.4%

$72,044 (2024) → $82,408 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Charlotte or Cornelius?

Charlotte has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $103,513/year, compared to Cornelius at $86,471/year — a difference of $17,042 (19.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Cornelius?

Charlotte ultrasound technologists earn $49.77/hr while Cornelius hygienists earn $41.57/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charlotte to Cornelius as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charlotte and Cornelius. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charlotte = $106,333, Cornelius = $92,384), job availability (730 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Charlotte vs Cornelius?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $81,919 in Charlotte and $65,987 in Cornelius. The Charlotte 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