Ultrasound Tech Pay

Johnson City vs Memphis: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Johnson City, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Johnson City, TN
$82,863
$39.84/hr
Memphis, TN
$87,018
$41.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJohnson City, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$82,863$87,018
Hourly Rate$39.84$41.84
Entry Level (P10)$66,578$69,558
25th Percentile$73,682$77,764
75th Percentile$96,473$96,420
Top Earner (P90)$107,270$105,853
Total Employed90390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Johnson City ($82,863) and Memphis ($87,018) ultrasound technologist salaries.Johnson CityMemphisMedian Salary$82,863$87,018Entry Level (P10)$66,578$69,558Top Earner (P90)$107,270$105,853US Median $101,352

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.

The salary gap between Johnson City and Memphis is $4,155 (5.01%). Memphis's median is -14.14% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $40,692,Memphis spans $36,295. Johnson City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Johnson City
P10 (Entry)$66,578
P25$73,682
Median$82,863
P75$96,473
P90 (Top)$107,270
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$69,558
P25$77,764
Median$87,018
P75$96,420
P90 (Top)$105,853

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($94,401 effective) pays 0.17% more than Johnson City ($94,240 effective).

Johnson City
Nominal: $82,863
CoL Index: 87.928
Adjusted: $94,240
Memphis
Nominal: $87,018
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $94,401

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Johnson City if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($107,270)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,018/year)
  • Larger job market (390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,401)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Johnson City grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Johnson City, TN

+28.8%

$61,320 (2019) → $78,970 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+17.0%

$70,900 (2019) → $82,930 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Johnson City or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $87,018/year, compared to Johnson City at $82,863/year — a difference of $4,155 (5.01%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Memphis?

Johnson City ultrasound technologists earn $39.84/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $41.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Johnson City to Memphis as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Johnson City and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Johnson City = $94,240, Memphis = $94,401), job availability (90 vs 390 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Johnson City vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $66,578 in Johnson City and $69,558 in Memphis. The Memphis 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