Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Altoona, PA: $81,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Altoona, PA earns a median $81,320/year (≈ $39.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Altoona's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $83,491 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the projected median annual salary for ultrasound technologists stands at $81,320 in 2026. This figure reflects a salary range from $61,380 at the 10th percentile to $106,312 at the 90th percentile, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. The employment landscape in the area shows nine ultrasound technologists currently working, indicating a relatively small market which may suggest a lower competition level for job seekers. Additionally, salaries in Altoona fall below the national median of $101,352, which can influence local wage expectations and negotiations for both current and aspiring professionals in the field.
About the Altoona Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,380 | $29.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,266 | $32.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,320 | $39.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,606 | $43.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,312 | $51.11 |
Median Salary Position
19.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Altoona
In Altoona, PA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,932 (2026 est.). At $81,320, the local median is 19.76% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Altoona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Altoona Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Altoona median: $81,320/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Altoona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $84,532 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -19.76% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Altoona, PA earn a median of $81,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.76% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.80% below the Pennsylvania state average of $84,532.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Altoona has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Altoona, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $81,320 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $83,491 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,290
2025 BLS Actual
$77,499
2026 Current Est.
$81,320
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,914 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,499 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,329 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Altoona metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 28.5% from $60,290 (2019) to $77,499 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,329 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,039 (41.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Altoona 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) | $61,380 – $68,266 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,266 – $81,320 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,320 – $89,606 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,606 – $106,312 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Altoona
Analyzing the ultrasound technologist pay in Altoona PA, the cost of living index sits at 97.4, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, they could align comparatively well with local living expenses. With only nine professionals employed in the area, job opportunities may be limited, but this also indicates less competition. Larger healthcare organizations typically offer higher pay compared to private practices, and ultrasound technicians holding specialty credentials may also see better compensation opportunities. In addition, shift differentials and comprehensive benefits packages can drive up overall earnings. To maximize earning potential in this specific market, ultrasound technologists may consider pursuing advanced certifications or seeking positions in facilities offering better pay structures, while remaining open to different types of healthcare employers.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Altoona, PA in 2026?
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Altoona?
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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 $77,499 for ultrasound technologistsin the Altoona 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 Altoona 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