Ultrasound Tech Pay

Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Independence, KY
$89,791
$43.17/hr
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$102,517
$49.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIndependence, KYLouisville/Jefferson County, KY
Median Salary$89,791$102,517
Hourly Rate$43.17$49.29
Entry Level (P10)$65,002$75,056
25th Percentile$75,237$89,988
75th Percentile$98,754$110,701
Top Earner (P90)$117,415$129,232
Total Employed5370
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Independence ($89,791) and Louisville/Jefferson County ($102,517) ultrasound technologist salaries.IndependenceLouisville/Jefferson CountyMedian Salary$89,791$102,517Entry Level (P10)$65,002$75,056Top Earner (P90)$117,415$129,232US Median $101,352

Verdict

Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.

The salary gap between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County is $12,726 (14.17%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is +1.15% 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,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $54,176. Louisville/Jefferson County 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
Louisville/Jefferson County
P10 (Entry)$75,056
P25$89,988
Median$102,517
P75$110,701
P90 (Top)$129,232

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville/Jefferson County ($110,146 effective) pays 9.54% more than Independence ($100,550 effective).

Independence
Nominal: $89,791
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $100,550
Louisville/Jefferson County
Nominal: $102,517
CoL Index: 93.074
Adjusted: $110,146

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Independence if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,517/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($129,232)
  • Larger job market (370 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,146)
  • 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 53.7% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.

Independence, KY

+34.2%

$63,787 (2024) → $85,572 (2025)

Louisville/Jefferson County, KY

+53.7%

$63,550 (2019) → $97,700 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Independence or Louisville/Jefferson County?

Louisville/Jefferson County has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $102,517/year, compared to Independence at $89,791/year — a difference of $12,726 (14.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County?

Independence ultrasound technologists earn $43.17/hr while Louisville/Jefferson County hygienists earn $49.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Independence to Louisville/Jefferson County as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Independence = $100,550, Louisville/Jefferson County = $110,146), job availability (5 vs 370 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $65,002 in Independence and $75,056 in Louisville/Jefferson County. The Louisville/Jefferson County 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