Ultrasound Tech Pay

Detroit vs Pontiac: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Detroit, MI and Pontiac, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$87,386
$42.01/hr
Pontiac, MI
$83,198
$40.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIPontiac, MI
Median Salary$87,386$83,198
Hourly Rate$42.01$40.00
Entry Level (P10)$71,174$58,773
25th Percentile$82,622$68,923
75th Percentile$97,155$91,350
Top Earner (P90)$100,345$109,563
Total Employed1,49012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($87,386) and Pontiac ($83,198) ultrasound technologist salaries.DetroitPontiacMedian Salary$87,386$83,198Entry Level (P10)$71,174$58,773Top Earner (P90)$100,345$109,563US Median $101,352

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pontiac.

The salary gap between Detroit and Pontiac is $4,188 (5.03%). Detroit's median is -13.78% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $29,171,Pontiac spans $50,790. Pontiac has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$71,174
P25$82,622
Median$87,386
P75$97,155
P90 (Top)$100,345
Pontiac
P10 (Entry)$58,773
P25$68,923
Median$83,198
P75$91,350
P90 (Top)$109,563

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pontiac ($89,268 effective) pays 2.46% more than Detroit ($87,126 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $87,386
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $87,126
Pontiac
Nominal: $83,198
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $89,268

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,386/year)
  • Larger job market (1,490 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Pontiac if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($109,563)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,268)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Detroit grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.9% growth in Pontiac over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+26.9%

$65,620 (2019) → $83,280 (2025)

Pontiac, MI

+12.9%

$70,199 (2024) → $79,289 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Detroit or Pontiac?

Detroit has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $87,386/year, compared to Pontiac at $83,198/year — a difference of $4,188 (5.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Pontiac?

Detroit ultrasound technologists earn $42.01/hr while Pontiac hygienists earn $40.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Pontiac as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Pontiac. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $87,126, Pontiac = $89,268), job availability (1,490 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Detroit vs Pontiac?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $71,174 in Detroit and $58,773 in Pontiac. The Detroit 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