Ultrasound Tech Pay

Cookeville vs Memphis: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Cookeville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cookeville, TN
$79,124
$38.04/hr
Memphis, TN
$87,018
$41.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCookeville, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$79,124$87,018
Hourly Rate$38.04$41.84
Entry Level (P10)$58,167$69,558
25th Percentile$66,955$77,764
75th Percentile$86,072$96,420
Top Earner (P90)$101,513$105,853
Total Employed7390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cookeville ($79,124) and Memphis ($87,018) ultrasound technologist salaries.CookevilleMemphisMedian Salary$79,124$87,018Entry Level (P10)$58,167$69,558Top Earner (P90)$101,513$105,853US Median $101,352

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.

The salary gap between Cookeville and Memphis is $7,894 (9.98%). Memphis's median is -14.14% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cookeville spans $43,346,Memphis spans $36,295. Cookeville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cookeville
P10 (Entry)$58,167
P25$66,955
Median$79,124
P75$86,072
P90 (Top)$101,513
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$69,558
P25$77,764
Median$87,018
P75$96,420
P90 (Top)$105,853

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($94,401 effective) pays 9.52% more than Cookeville ($86,192 effective).

Cookeville
Nominal: $79,124
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $86,192
Memphis
Nominal: $87,018
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $94,401

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cookeville if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,018/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($105,853)
  • Larger job market (390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,401)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Cookeville grew 20.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Cookeville, TN

+20.1%

$62,803 (2024) → $75,406 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+17.0%

$70,900 (2019) → $82,930 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Cookeville or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $87,018/year, compared to Cookeville at $79,124/year — a difference of $7,894 (9.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cookeville and Memphis?

Cookeville ultrasound technologists earn $38.04/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $41.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cookeville to Memphis as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cookeville and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cookeville = $86,192, Memphis = $94,401), job availability (7 vs 390 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Cookeville vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $58,167 in Cookeville and $69,558 in Memphis. The Memphis 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