Charlottesville vs Richmond: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,073 | $100,376▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.75 | $48.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,213 | $83,671▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,487▲ | $86,273 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,465▲ | $103,870 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,276▲ | $108,088 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlottesville.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Richmond is $7,303 (7.85%). Richmond's median is -0.96% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $73,063,Richmond spans $24,417. Charlottesville 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, Richmond ($102,573 effective) pays 9.27% more than Charlottesville ($93,875 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,276)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,376/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,573)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Charlottesville grew 9.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$81,110 (2024) → $88,700 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$74,390 (2019) → $95,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Charlottesville or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Richmond as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Charlottesville vs Richmond?
Related Comparisons
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