Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Columbus, NE: $86,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Columbus, NE earns a median $86,598/year (≈ $41.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $94,643 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, the ultrasound technologist salary is projected to reach $86,598 in 2026. This reflects a local job market somewhat distinct from national trends, especially as the national median is considerably higher at $101,352. With only four ultrasound technologists currently employed in the Columbus area, market saturation seems relatively low, potentially providing opportunities for job seekers. Salary estimates show a wide range, with earnings fluctuating from $67,733 at the 10th percentile to $112,889 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, incorporating regional price adjustments to gauge the specific compensation levels within Columbus.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,733 | $32.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,923 | $36.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,598 | $41.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,928 | $43.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,889 | $54.27 |
Median Salary Position
14.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, NE, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,156 (2026 est.). At $86,598, the local median is 14.56% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $86,598/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $92,717 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -14.56% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Columbus, NE earn a median of $86,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $92,717.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $86,598 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,643 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,501
2025 BLS Actual
$82,529
2026 Current Est.
$86,598
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,501 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,868 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,423 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,508 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,173 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,867 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $63,501 (2019) to $82,529 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,867 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,366 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $67,733 – $75,923 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,923 – $86,598 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,598 – $90,928 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,928 – $112,889 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Columbus
The local job market for ultrasound technologists in Columbus underscores significant variances in pay based on employer type. Community health centers, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics tend to offer more competitive salaries compared to private practices, driven by their larger patient volumes and available resources. The cost of living index in Columbus is 91.5, which is below the national average, positively impacting the purchasing power of earnings in the area. Strategies to maximize ultrasound technologist pay in Columbus could include pursuing additional certifications and specialties, which can lead to higher compensation. Additionally, exploring roles with employers that offer shift differentials or lucrative benefits packages may yield better financial outcomes, making it important for professionals to proactively seek opportunities that align with their skills and market demands.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Columbus, NE in 2026?
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Columbus?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ultrasound technologist salary in Columbus?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $82,529 for ultrasound technologistsin the Columbus metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov