Lafayette vs Ruston: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Lafayette, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,053▲ | $82,750 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.37▲ | $39.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,463▲ | $61,850 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,496▲ | $70,460 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,195▲ | $89,614 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,404 | $104,899▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lafayette, LA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Ruston is $3,303 (3.99%). Lafayette's median is -15.09% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $34,941,Ruston spans $43,049. Ruston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lafayette ($98,674 effective) pays 7.68% more than Ruston ($91,639 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,053/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,674)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,899)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Lafayette grew 42.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Ruston over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$57,580 (2019) → $82,010 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$60,784 (2024) → $78,862 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Lafayette or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Ruston?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Ruston as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Lafayette vs Ruston?
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.
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