Ultrasound Tech Pay

Fairmont vs Wheeling: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Fairmont, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fairmont, WV
$81,581
$39.22/hr
Wheeling, WV
$82,769
$39.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFairmont, WVWheeling, WV
Median Salary$81,581$82,769
Hourly Rate$39.22$39.79
Entry Level (P10)$63,332$69,359
25th Percentile$71,177$71,510
75th Percentile$88,227$87,564
Top Earner (P90)$103,221$99,369
Total Employed460
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fairmont ($81,581) and Wheeling ($82,769) ultrasound technologist salaries.FairmontWheelingMedian Salary$81,581$82,769Entry Level (P10)$63,332$69,359Top Earner (P90)$103,221$99,369US Median $101,352

Verdict

Wheeling, WV offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairmont.

The salary gap between Fairmont and Wheeling is $1,188 (1.46%). Wheeling's median is -18.34% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairmont spans $39,889,Wheeling spans $30,010. Fairmont has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Fairmont
P10 (Entry)$63,332
P25$71,177
Median$81,581
P75$88,227
P90 (Top)$103,221
Wheeling
P10 (Entry)$69,359
P25$71,510
Median$82,769
P75$87,564
P90 (Top)$99,369

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fairmont ($94,313 effective) pays 0.64% more than Wheeling ($93,712 effective).

Fairmont
Nominal: $81,581
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $94,313
Wheeling
Nominal: $82,769
CoL Index: 88.323
Adjusted: $93,712

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fairmont if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($103,221)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,313)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Wheeling if…

  • Higher median salary ($82,769/year)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Fairmont grew 46.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Wheeling over the same period.

Fairmont, WV

+46.3%

$53,126 (2024) → $77,748 (2025)

Wheeling, WV

+36.0%

$57,990 (2019) → $78,880 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Fairmont or Wheeling?

Wheeling has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $82,769/year, compared to Fairmont at $81,581/year — a difference of $1,188 (1.46%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fairmont and Wheeling?

Fairmont ultrasound technologists earn $39.22/hr while Wheeling hygienists earn $39.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fairmont to Wheeling as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fairmont and Wheeling. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fairmont = $94,313, Wheeling = $93,712), job availability (4 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Fairmont vs Wheeling?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $63,332 in Fairmont and $69,359 in Wheeling. The Wheeling 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