Ultrasound Tech Pay

Columbia vs Hanahan: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Columbia, SC
$88,603
$42.60/hr
Hanahan, SC
$87,782
$42.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbia, SCHanahan, SC
Median Salary$88,603$87,782
Hourly Rate$42.60$42.20
Entry Level (P10)$72,958$63,177
25th Percentile$77,869$73,349
75th Percentile$93,797$96,412
Top Earner (P90)$102,013$114,244
Total Employed3204
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbia ($88,603) and Hanahan ($87,782) ultrasound technologist salaries.ColumbiaHanahanMedian Salary$88,603$87,782Entry Level (P10)$72,958$63,177Top Earner (P90)$102,013$114,244US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbia and Hanahan is $821 (0.94%). Columbia's median is -12.58% 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,Hanahan spans $51,067. Hanahan 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
Hanahan
P10 (Entry)$63,177
P25$73,349
Median$87,782
P75$96,412
P90 (Top)$114,244

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hanahan ($95,937 effective) pays 1.41% more than Columbia ($94,599 effective).

Columbia
Nominal: $88,603
CoL Index: 93.662
Adjusted: $94,599
Hanahan
Nominal: $87,782
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $95,937

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbia if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,603/year)
  • Larger job market (320 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Hanahan if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($114,244)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,937)
  • 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 24.8% growth in Hanahan over the same period.

Columbia, SC

+26.7%

$66,630 (2019) → $84,440 (2025)

Hanahan, SC

+24.8%

$67,047 (2024) → $83,658 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Columbia or Hanahan?

Columbia has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $88,603/year, compared to Hanahan at $87,782/year — a difference of $821 (0.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Hanahan?

Columbia ultrasound technologists earn $42.60/hr while Hanahan hygienists earn $42.20/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbia and Hanahan. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbia = $94,599, Hanahan = $95,937), job availability (320 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $72,958 in Columbia and $63,177 in Hanahan. 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