Ultrasound Tech Pay

Kearny vs Trenton: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Kearny, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kearny, NJ
$112,952
$54.30/hr
Trenton, NJ
$102,097
$49.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKearny, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$112,952$102,097
Hourly Rate$54.30$49.09
Entry Level (P10)$86,225$81,027
25th Percentile$98,025$86,546
75th Percentile$120,873$111,362
Top Earner (P90)$148,736$123,188
Total Employed11160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kearny ($112,952) and Trenton ($102,097) ultrasound technologist salaries.KearnyTrentonMedian Salary$112,952$102,097Entry Level (P10)$86,225$81,027Top Earner (P90)$148,736$123,188US Median $101,352

Verdict

Kearny, NJ offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Kearny and Trenton is $10,855 (10.63%). Kearny's median is +11.45% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearny spans $62,511,Trenton spans $42,161. Kearny has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kearny
P10 (Entry)$86,225
P25$98,025
Median$112,952
P75$120,873
P90 (Top)$148,736
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$81,027
P25$86,546
Median$102,097
P75$111,362
P90 (Top)$123,188

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($98,950 effective) pays 0.92% more than Kearny ($98,049 effective).

Kearny
Nominal: $112,952
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $98,049
Trenton
Nominal: $102,097
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $98,950

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kearny if…

  • Higher median salary ($112,952/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($148,736)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,950)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Kearny grew 2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Kearny, NJ

+2.8%

$104,758 (2024) → $107,645 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+13.4%

$85,820 (2019) → $97,300 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Kearny or Trenton?

Kearny has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $112,952/year, compared to Trenton at $102,097/year — a difference of $10,855 (10.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kearny and Trenton?

Kearny ultrasound technologists earn $54.30/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $49.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kearny to Trenton as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kearny and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kearny = $98,049, Trenton = $98,950), job availability (11 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Kearny vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $86,225 in Kearny and $81,027 in Trenton. The Kearny 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