Ultrasound Tech Pay

Durham vs Winston: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Durham, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Durham, NC
$90,295
$43.41/hr
Winston, NC
$91,520
$44.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDurham, NCWinston, NC
Median Salary$90,295$91,520
Hourly Rate$43.41$44.00
Entry Level (P10)$57,228$73,073
25th Percentile$75,648$82,748
75th Percentile$100,915$106,756
Top Earner (P90)$129,360$109,463
Total Employed67250
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Durham ($90,295) and Winston ($91,520) ultrasound technologist salaries.DurhamWinstonMedian Salary$90,295$91,520Entry Level (P10)$57,228$73,073Top Earner (P90)$129,360$109,463US Median $101,352

Verdict

Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.

The salary gap between Durham and Winston is $1,225 (1.36%). Winston's median is -9.70% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $72,132,Winston spans $36,390. Durham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Durham
P10 (Entry)$57,228
P25$75,648
Median$90,295
P75$100,915
P90 (Top)$129,360
Winston
P10 (Entry)$73,073
P25$82,748
Median$91,520
P75$106,756
P90 (Top)$109,463

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Winston ($99,432 effective) pays 3.07% more than Durham ($96,469 effective).

Durham
Nominal: $90,295
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $96,469
Winston
Nominal: $91,520
CoL Index: 92.043
Adjusted: $99,432

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Durham if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($129,360)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Winston if…

  • Higher median salary ($91,520/year)
  • Larger job market (250 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,432)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Durham grew 20.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Winston over the same period.

Durham, NC

+20.2%

$71,620 (2019) → $86,053 (2025)

Winston, NC

+18.4%

$73,660 (2019) → $87,220 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Durham or Winston?

Winston has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $91,520/year, compared to Durham at $90,295/year — a difference of $1,225 (1.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Winston?

Durham ultrasound technologists earn $43.41/hr while Winston hygienists earn $44.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Durham to Winston as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Durham and Winston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Durham = $96,469, Winston = $99,432), job availability (67 vs 250 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Durham vs Winston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $57,228 in Durham and $73,073 in Winston. The Winston 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