Ultrasound Tech Pay

Columbia vs Florence: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Columbia, SC
$88,603
$42.60/hr
Florence, SC
$90,135
$43.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbia, SCFlorence, SC
Median Salary$88,603$90,135
Hourly Rate$42.60$43.34
Entry Level (P10)$72,958$42,318
25th Percentile$77,869$68,320
75th Percentile$93,797$103,461
Top Earner (P90)$102,013$114,206
Total Employed32080
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbia ($88,603) and Florence ($90,135) ultrasound technologist salaries.ColumbiaFlorenceMedian Salary$88,603$90,135Entry Level (P10)$72,958$42,318Top Earner (P90)$102,013$114,206US Median $101,352

Verdict

Florence, SC offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.

The salary gap between Columbia and Florence is $1,532 (1.73%). Florence's median is -11.07% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $29,055,Florence spans $71,888. Florence has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Columbia
P10 (Entry)$72,958
P25$77,869
Median$88,603
P75$93,797
P90 (Top)$102,013
Florence
P10 (Entry)$42,318
P25$68,320
Median$90,135
P75$103,461
P90 (Top)$114,206

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Florence ($103,873 effective) pays 9.80% more than Columbia ($94,599 effective).

Columbia
Nominal: $88,603
CoL Index: 93.662
Adjusted: $94,599
Florence
Nominal: $90,135
CoL Index: 86.774
Adjusted: $103,873

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbia if…

  • Larger job market (320 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Florence if…

  • Higher median salary ($90,135/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($114,206)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,873)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Columbia grew 26.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Florence over the same period.

Columbia, SC

+26.7%

$66,630 (2019) → $84,440 (2025)

Florence, SC

+16.6%

$73,670 (2019) → $85,900 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Columbia or Florence?

Florence has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $90,135/year, compared to Columbia at $88,603/year — a difference of $1,532 (1.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Florence?

Columbia ultrasound technologists earn $42.60/hr while Florence hygienists earn $43.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbia to Florence as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbia and Florence. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbia = $94,599, Florence = $103,873), job availability (320 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Columbia vs Florence?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $72,958 in Columbia and $42,318 in Florence. The Columbia 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