Ultrasound Tech Pay

Seattle vs Olympia: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Seattle, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Seattle, WA
$136,367
$65.56/hr
Olympia, WA
$116,787
$56.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSeattle, WAOlympia, WA
Median Salary$136,367$116,787
Hourly Rate$65.56$56.15
Entry Level (P10)$63,934$72,758
25th Percentile$109,348$105,465
75th Percentile$145,286$127,406
Top Earner (P90)$170,018$139,567
Total Employed1,19070
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Seattle ($136,367) and Olympia ($116,787) ultrasound technologist salaries.SeattleOlympiaMedian Salary$136,367$116,787Entry Level (P10)$63,934$72,758Top Earner (P90)$170,018$139,567US Median $101,352

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.

The salary gap between Seattle and Olympia is $19,580 (16.77%). Seattle's median is +34.55% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $106,084,Olympia spans $66,809. Seattle has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Seattle
P10 (Entry)$63,934
P25$109,348
Median$136,367
P75$145,286
P90 (Top)$170,018
Olympia
P10 (Entry)$72,758
P25$105,465
Median$116,787
P75$127,406
P90 (Top)$139,567

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($122,706 effective) pays 8.92% more than Olympia ($112,653 effective).

Seattle
Nominal: $136,367
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $122,706
Olympia
Nominal: $116,787
CoL Index: 103.67
Adjusted: $112,653

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($136,367/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($170,018)
  • Larger job market (1,190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,706)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Olympia if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Seattle grew 38.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Olympia over the same period.

Seattle, WA

+38.2%

$94,020 (2019) → $129,960 (2025)

Olympia, WA

+27.5%

$87,280 (2019) → $111,300 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Seattle or Olympia?

Seattle has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $136,367/year, compared to Olympia at $116,787/year — a difference of $19,580 (16.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Olympia?

Seattle ultrasound technologists earn $65.56/hr while Olympia hygienists earn $56.15/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Seattle to Olympia as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Seattle and Olympia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Seattle = $122,706, Olympia = $112,653), job availability (1,190 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Seattle vs Olympia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $63,934 in Seattle and $72,758 in Olympia. The Olympia 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