Ultrasound Tech Pay

Chelsea vs Worcester: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Chelsea, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chelsea, MA
$108,959
$52.38/hr
Worcester, MA
$109,285
$52.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChelsea, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$108,959$109,285
Hourly Rate$52.38$52.54
Entry Level (P10)$78,533$102,632
25th Percentile$91,130$104,311
75th Percentile$117,404$129,200
Top Earner (P90)$138,084$139,609
Total Employed6290
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chelsea ($108,959) and Worcester ($109,285) ultrasound technologist salaries.ChelseaWorcesterMedian Salary$108,959$109,285Entry Level (P10)$78,533$102,632Top Earner (P90)$138,084$139,609US Median $101,352

Verdict

Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.

The salary gap between Chelsea and Worcester is $326 (0.30%). Worcester's median is +7.83% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chelsea spans $59,551,Worcester spans $36,977. Chelsea has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chelsea
P10 (Entry)$78,533
P25$91,130
Median$108,959
P75$117,404
P90 (Top)$138,084
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$102,632
P25$104,311
Median$109,285
P75$129,200
P90 (Top)$139,609

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($106,596 effective) pays 6.15% more than Chelsea ($100,423 effective).

Chelsea
Nominal: $108,959
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $100,423
Worcester
Nominal: $109,285
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $106,596

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chelsea if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,285/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($139,609)
  • Larger job market (290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,596)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Chelsea grew -7.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Chelsea, MA

+-7.1%

$111,806 (2024) → $103,840 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+33.9%

$77,770 (2019) → $104,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Chelsea or Worcester?

Worcester has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $109,285/year, compared to Chelsea at $108,959/year — a difference of $326 (0.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chelsea and Worcester?

Chelsea ultrasound technologists earn $52.38/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $52.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chelsea to Worcester as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chelsea and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chelsea = $100,423, Worcester = $106,596), job availability (6 vs 290 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Chelsea vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $78,533 in Chelsea and $102,632 in Worcester. The Worcester 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