Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Durham, NC: $90,295 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Durham, NC earns a median $90,295/year (≈ $43.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Durham's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $96,469 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durham, North Carolina, the projected median annual salary for ultrasound technologists is $90,295 as of 2026, making it an attractive option for job seekers in the healthcare field. With 67 professionals currently employed in this specialty, the market appears moderately saturated, reflecting a competitive landscape. Salary estimates range from $57,228 at the 10th percentile to $129,360 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for those at the upper end of the spectrum. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, taking into account regional price parities that affect compensation levels. For prospective employees, understanding these local dynamics is essential for making informed career choices and negotiations.
About the Durham Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,228 | $27.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,648 | $36.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,295 | $43.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,915 | $48.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,360 | $62.19 |
Median Salary Position
10.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durham
In Durham, NC, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,132 (2026 est.). At $90,295, the local median is 10.91% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durham Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Durham median: $90,295/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,665 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -10.91% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Durham, NC earn a median of $90,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.91% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $87,665.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durham has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durham, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $90,295 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,469 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,620
2025 BLS Actual
$86,053
2026 Current Est.
$90,295
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,476 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,231 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,053 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,295 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,747 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durham metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 20.2% from $71,620 (2019) to $86,053 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,747 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,127 (32.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durham 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) | $57,228 – $75,648 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,648 – $90,295 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,295 – $100,915 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,915 – $129,360 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Durham
As the cost-of-living index in Durham, NC, stands at 93.6, the ultrasound technologist pay in Durham must be viewed through the lens of local purchasing power. This lower cost of living can enhance the effective value of salaries compared to national standards. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialized medical centers typically offer the highest compensation, often including shift differentials for weekend and evening work. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the level of specialization, additional certifications, and the size of the employer. To maximize earnings in this environment, consider pursuing advanced certifications and gaining experience in specialty fields like vascular or cardiac ultrasound. Engaging with educational opportunities offered by regional institutions can also enhance your competitiveness in the market, further boosting future salary potential.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Durham, NC in 2026?
Is Durham, NC a good place to work as a ultrasound technologist?
Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Durham?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ultrasound technologist salary in Durham?
How much does a ultrasound technologist make per hour in Durham?
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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 $86,053 for ultrasound technologistsin the Durham 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 Durham 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