Ultrasound Tech Pay

Elmira vs Rochester: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Elmira, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Elmira, NY
$97,055
$46.66/hr
Rochester, NY
$86,116
$41.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricElmira, NYRochester, NY
Median Salary$97,055$86,116
Hourly Rate$46.66$41.41
Entry Level (P10)$70,747$79,254
25th Percentile$81,684$82,097
75th Percentile$105,146$101,803
Top Earner (P90)$123,811$107,847
Total Employed6400
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Elmira ($97,055) and Rochester ($86,116) ultrasound technologist salaries.ElmiraRochesterMedian Salary$97,055$86,116Entry Level (P10)$70,747$79,254Top Earner (P90)$123,811$107,847US Median $101,352

Verdict

Elmira, NY offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.

The salary gap between Elmira and Rochester is $10,939 (12.70%). Elmira's median is -4.24% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elmira spans $53,064,Rochester spans $28,593. Elmira has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Elmira
P10 (Entry)$70,747
P25$81,684
Median$97,055
P75$105,146
P90 (Top)$123,811
Rochester
P10 (Entry)$79,254
P25$82,097
Median$86,116
P75$101,803
P90 (Top)$107,847

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($88,747 effective) pays 5.98% more than Elmira ($83,740 effective).

Elmira
Nominal: $97,055
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $83,740
Rochester
Nominal: $86,116
CoL Index: 97.035
Adjusted: $88,747

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Elmira if…

  • Higher median salary ($97,055/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($123,811)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Rochester if…

  • Larger job market (400 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,747)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Elmira grew 19.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Rochester over the same period.

Elmira, NY

+19.4%

$77,450 (2021) → $92,495 (2025)

Rochester, NY

+13.4%

$72,370 (2019) → $82,070 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Elmira or Rochester?

Elmira has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $97,055/year, compared to Rochester at $86,116/year — a difference of $10,939 (12.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Elmira and Rochester?

Elmira ultrasound technologists earn $46.66/hr while Rochester hygienists earn $41.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Elmira to Rochester as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Elmira and Rochester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Elmira = $83,740, Rochester = $88,747), job availability (6 vs 400 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Elmira vs Rochester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $70,747 in Elmira and $79,254 in Rochester. The Rochester 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