Ultrasound Tech Pay

Richmond vs Suffolk: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Richmond, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Richmond, VA
$100,376
$48.26/hr
Suffolk, VA
$90,444
$43.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichmond, VASuffolk, VA
Median Salary$100,376$90,444
Hourly Rate$48.26$43.48
Entry Level (P10)$83,671$66,463
25th Percentile$86,273$76,854
75th Percentile$103,870$97,926
Top Earner (P90)$108,088$125,386
Total Employed44015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richmond ($100,376) and Suffolk ($90,444) ultrasound technologist salaries.RichmondSuffolkMedian Salary$100,376$90,444Entry Level (P10)$83,671$66,463Top Earner (P90)$108,088$125,386US Median $101,352

Verdict

Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.

The salary gap between Richmond and Suffolk is $9,932 (10.98%). Richmond's median is -0.96% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $24,417,Suffolk spans $58,923. Suffolk has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Richmond
P10 (Entry)$83,671
P25$86,273
Median$100,376
P75$103,870
P90 (Top)$108,088
Suffolk
P10 (Entry)$66,463
P25$76,854
Median$90,444
P75$97,926
P90 (Top)$125,386

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($102,573 effective) pays 17.04% more than Suffolk ($87,640 effective).

Richmond
Nominal: $100,376
CoL Index: 97.858
Adjusted: $102,573
Suffolk
Nominal: $90,444
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $87,640

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Richmond if…

  • Higher median salary ($100,376/year)
  • Larger job market (440 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,573)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Suffolk if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($125,386)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Richmond grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.6% growth in Suffolk over the same period.

Richmond, VA

+28.6%

$74,390 (2019) → $95,660 (2025)

Suffolk, VA

+3.6%

$83,205 (2024) → $86,195 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Richmond or Suffolk?

Richmond has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $100,376/year, compared to Suffolk at $90,444/year — a difference of $9,932 (10.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Suffolk?

Richmond ultrasound technologists earn $48.26/hr while Suffolk hygienists earn $43.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Richmond to Suffolk as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richmond and Suffolk. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richmond = $102,573, Suffolk = $87,640), job availability (440 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Richmond vs Suffolk?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $83,671 in Richmond and $66,463 in Suffolk. The Richmond 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