Ultrasound Tech Pay

Grand Rapids vs Pontiac: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Grand Rapids, MI
$86,976
$41.81/hr
Pontiac, MI
$83,198
$40.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrand Rapids, MIPontiac, MI
Median Salary$86,976$83,198
Hourly Rate$41.81$40.00
Entry Level (P10)$70,586$58,773
25th Percentile$80,796$68,923
75th Percentile$92,129$91,350
Top Earner (P90)$97,921$109,563
Total Employed35012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grand Rapids ($86,976) and Pontiac ($83,198) ultrasound technologist salaries.Grand RapidsPontiacMedian Salary$86,976$83,198Entry Level (P10)$70,586$58,773Top Earner (P90)$97,921$109,563US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Pontiac is $3,778 (4.54%). Grand Rapids's median is -14.18% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $27,335,Pontiac spans $50,790. Pontiac has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Grand Rapids
P10 (Entry)$70,586
P25$80,796
Median$86,976
P75$92,129
P90 (Top)$97,921
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, Grand Rapids ($91,030 effective) pays 1.97% more than Pontiac ($89,268 effective).

Grand Rapids
Nominal: $86,976
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $91,030
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 Grand Rapids if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,976/year)
  • Larger job market (350 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,030)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Pontiac if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($109,563)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Grand Rapids grew 35.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.9% growth in Pontiac over the same period.

Grand Rapids, MI

+35.9%

$60,980 (2019) → $82,890 (2025)

Pontiac, MI

+12.9%

$70,199 (2024) → $79,289 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Grand Rapids or Pontiac?

Grand Rapids has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $86,976/year, compared to Pontiac at $83,198/year — a difference of $3,778 (4.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Pontiac?

Grand Rapids ultrasound technologists earn $41.81/hr while Pontiac hygienists earn $40.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Pontiac as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grand Rapids and Pontiac. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grand Rapids = $91,030, Pontiac = $89,268), job availability (350 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $70,586 in Grand Rapids and $58,773 in Pontiac. The Grand Rapids 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