Ultrasound Tech Pay

Louisville vs Owensboro: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Louisville, KY
$98,675
$47.44/hr
Owensboro, KY
$91,247
$43.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLouisville, KYOwensboro, KY
Median Salary$98,675$91,247
Hourly Rate$47.44$43.87
Entry Level (P10)$63,898$63,432
25th Percentile$77,935$74,820
75th Percentile$111,378$99,417
Top Earner (P90)$136,658$118,878
Total Employed13214
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Louisville ($98,675) and Owensboro ($91,247) ultrasound technologist salaries.LouisvilleOwensboroMedian Salary$98,675$91,247Entry Level (P10)$63,898$63,432Top Earner (P90)$136,658$118,878US Median $101,352

Verdict

Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Owensboro.

The salary gap between Louisville and Owensboro is $7,428 (8.14%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville spans $72,760,Owensboro spans $55,446. Louisville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Louisville
P10 (Entry)$63,898
P25$77,935
Median$98,675
P75$111,378
P90 (Top)$136,658
Owensboro
P10 (Entry)$63,432
P25$74,820
Median$91,247
P75$99,417
P90 (Top)$118,878

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($110,498 effective) pays 8.14% more than Owensboro ($102,180 effective).

Louisville
Nominal: $98,675
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $110,498
Owensboro
Nominal: $91,247
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $102,180

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Louisville if…

  • Higher median salary ($98,675/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($136,658)
  • Larger job market (132 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,498)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Owensboro if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Louisville grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Owensboro over the same period.

Louisville, KY

+34.2%

$70,098 (2024) → $94,039 (2025)

Owensboro, KY

+21.7%

$71,440 (2019) → $86,960 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Louisville or Owensboro?

Louisville has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $98,675/year, compared to Owensboro at $91,247/year — a difference of $7,428 (8.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Owensboro?

Louisville ultrasound technologists earn $47.44/hr while Owensboro hygienists earn $43.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Louisville to Owensboro as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Louisville and Owensboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Louisville = $110,498, Owensboro = $102,180), job availability (132 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Louisville vs Owensboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $63,898 in Louisville and $63,432 in Owensboro. The Louisville 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