Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Columbia, SC: $88,603 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Columbia, SC earns a median $88,603/year (≈ $42.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.7), that paycheck buys what $94,599 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With 320 ultrasound technologists currently employed in Columbia, South Carolina, the local job market suggests a moderate level of competition among professionals in this field. In 2026, professionals in this role can expect to earn a median annual salary of $88,603, which is approximately 12.58% lower than the national median of $101,352 for the same year. The projected salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $72,958 and highly experienced technologists earning up to $102,013 annually. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect the evolving dynamics of the healthcare job market in Columbia.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,958 | $35.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,869 | $37.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,603 | $42.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,797 | $45.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,013 | $49.04 |
Median Salary Position
12.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, SC, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,055 (2026 est.). At $88,603, the local median is 12.58% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be above the median
How Columbia Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $88,603/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $88,692 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -12.58% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Columbia, SC earn a median of $88,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.58% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.10% below the South Carolina state average of $88,692.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 6.34% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, SC has a cost-of-living index of 93.662 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $88,603 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,599 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,630
2025 BLS Actual
$84,440
2026 Current Est.
$88,603
2019–2027 Growth
+39.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,971 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 26.7% from $66,630 (2019) to $84,440 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,971 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,341 (39.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $72,958 – $77,869 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,869 – $88,603 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,603 – $93,797 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,797 – $102,013 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Columbia
The cost of living in Columbia, with an index of 93.662, suggests that ultrasound technologist pay provides favorable purchasing power compared to other regions in the country. Specialists and those employed at larger healthcare organizations often see higher salaries than those in community health centers or private practices. Factors such as shift differentials, additional certifications, and employer benefits can contribute to the salary spread within the workforce. To maximize earning potential, technologists in Columbia should consider seeking positions with large health systems, pursuing relevant specialty credentials, and negotiating benefits packages that align with their career goals. This strategic approach can significantly influence their overall compensation trajectory in the local market.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Columbia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ultrasound technologist salary in Columbia?
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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 $84,440 for ultrasound technologistsin the Columbia 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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