Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $54.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Bakersfield, CA runs $54.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,363 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,619 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Bakersfield, California, the projected ultrasound technologist hourly pay in 2026 stands at $54.98, which is significantly higher than the national average of $48.73 per hour. For ultrasound technologists working part-time, especially those choosing to work three days a week, this compensation translates to an impressive earning potential within clinical settings where they perform essential diagnostic imaging. The hourly range for this profession in Bakersfield extends from $34.83 for entry-level positions to $77.76 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting a well-defined pay structure that incentivizes skill acquisition and expertise.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.83 | $278.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.81 | $366.50 |
| Median (P50) | $54.98 | $439.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.36 | $546.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.76 | $622.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $54.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.98/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $114,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,980. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,199.33 | $9,530 | $114,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,319.60 | $5,718 | $68,619 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $879.73 | $3,812 | $45,746 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Bakersfield) | $54.98 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Ultrasound Technologists in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $114,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.84% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 16.30% below the California state average of $136,635.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.98/hr = $68,619/year (purchasing power: $68,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,365/year (purchasing power: $113,361).
CoL index: 100.886 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Bakersfield grew 22.4% from $42.80/hr (2019) to $52.40/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.69/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ultrasound technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield 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.
Working as an Hourly Ultrasound Technologist in Bakersfield
For those considering part-time opportunities, a 24-hour workweek translates to substantial annual earnings, even when compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Bakersfield often sees a premium of 10-25% over standard staff positions, making this a reasonable option for flexibility seekers. Hourly rates can vary considerably across different employer types in the region, with private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics each offering distinct pay scales. While some ultrasound technologists may choose positions with lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, others might prefer higher hourly rates without benefits; it ultimately depends on personal priorities. Negotiating these rates can be facilitated by understanding local market trends and demonstrating relevant skills, which can lead to more favorable terms for hourly workers in Bakersfield.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for ultrasound technologists in Bakersfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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