Ultrasound Tech Pay

Independence vs Lexington: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Independence, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Independence, KY
$89,791
$43.17/hr
Lexington, KY
$88,068
$42.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIndependence, KYLexington, KY
Median Salary$89,791$88,068
Hourly Rate$43.17$42.34
Entry Level (P10)$65,002$48,971
25th Percentile$75,237$79,338
75th Percentile$98,754$106,347
Top Earner (P90)$117,415$110,586
Total Employed5120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Independence ($89,791) and Lexington ($88,068) ultrasound technologist salaries.IndependenceLexingtonMedian Salary$89,791$88,068Entry Level (P10)$65,002$48,971Top Earner (P90)$117,415$110,586US Median $101,352

Verdict

Independence, KY offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.

The salary gap between Independence and Lexington is $1,723 (1.96%). Independence's median is -11.41% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $52,413,Lexington spans $61,615. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Independence
P10 (Entry)$65,002
P25$75,237
Median$89,791
P75$98,754
P90 (Top)$117,415
Lexington
P10 (Entry)$48,971
P25$79,338
Median$88,068
P75$106,347
P90 (Top)$110,586

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Independence ($100,550 effective) pays 6.05% more than Lexington ($94,810 effective).

Independence
Nominal: $89,791
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $100,550
Lexington
Nominal: $88,068
CoL Index: 92.889
Adjusted: $94,810

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Independence if…

  • Higher median salary ($89,791/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($117,415)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,550)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Lexington if…

  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Independence grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Lexington over the same period.

Independence, KY

+34.2%

$63,787 (2024) → $85,572 (2025)

Lexington, KY

+25.8%

$66,740 (2019) → $83,930 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Independence or Lexington?

Independence has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $89,791/year, compared to Lexington at $88,068/year — a difference of $1,723 (1.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Lexington?

Independence ultrasound technologists earn $43.17/hr while Lexington hygienists earn $42.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Independence to Lexington as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Independence and Lexington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Independence = $100,550, Lexington = $94,810), job availability (5 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Independence vs Lexington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $65,002 in Independence and $48,971 in Lexington. The Independence 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