Ultrasound Tech Pay

Seattle vs Tumwater: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Seattle, WA
$136,367
$65.56/hr
Tumwater, WA
$117,857
$56.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSeattle, WATumwater, WA
Median Salary$136,367$117,857
Hourly Rate$65.56$56.66
Entry Level (P10)$63,934$82,178
25th Percentile$109,348$101,362
75th Percentile$145,286$125,187
Top Earner (P90)$170,018$158,268
Total Employed1,1906
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Seattle ($136,367) and Tumwater ($117,857) ultrasound technologist salaries.SeattleTumwaterMedian Salary$136,367$117,857Entry Level (P10)$63,934$82,178Top Earner (P90)$170,018$158,268US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Seattle and Tumwater is $18,510 (15.71%). 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,Tumwater spans $76,090. 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
Tumwater
P10 (Entry)$82,178
P25$101,362
Median$117,857
P75$125,187
P90 (Top)$158,268

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($122,706 effective) pays 11.82% more than Tumwater ($109,736 effective).

Seattle
Nominal: $136,367
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $122,706
Tumwater
Nominal: $117,857
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $109,736

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 Tumwater 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 -4.6% growth in Tumwater over the same period.

Seattle, WA

+38.2%

$94,020 (2019) → $129,960 (2025)

Tumwater, WA

+-4.6%

$117,748 (2024) → $112,320 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Seattle or Tumwater?

Seattle has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $136,367/year, compared to Tumwater at $117,857/year — a difference of $18,510 (15.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tumwater?

Seattle ultrasound technologists earn $65.56/hr while Tumwater hygienists earn $56.66/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Seattle and Tumwater. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Seattle = $122,706, Tumwater = $109,736), job availability (1,190 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $63,934 in Seattle and $82,178 in Tumwater. The Tumwater 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