Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $65.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Berkeley, CA runs $65.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,140 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,291 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Berkeley, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $65.94, significantly above the national hourly median of $48.73. This compelling figure opens possibilities for part-time and per-diem workers who typically find themselves in diverse clinical settings such as hospitals, imaging centers, and outpatient facilities. The hourly wage ranges from about $47.30 for entry-level positions to around $86.77 for seasoned professionals, illustrating a considerable earning potential for those who choose to specialize or advance in their careers. Estimations of these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reinforcing the lucrative position that ultrasound technologists hold within the healthcare sector in Berkeley, CA.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.30 | $378.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.52 | $444.15 |
| Median (P50) | $65.94 | $527.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.04 | $576.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.77 | $694.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $65.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.94/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,151 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,126. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,637.52 | $11,429 | $137,151 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,582.51 | $6,858 | $82,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,055.01 | $4,572 | $54,860 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Berkeley) | $65.94 |
| 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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $137,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.31% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.40% above the California state average of $136,594.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.94/hr = $82,291/year (purchasing power: $72,759).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,151/year (purchasing power: $121,265).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Berkeley grew 30.0% from $48.35/hr (2019) to $62.84/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.19/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
For part-time ultrasound technologists working three days a week, taking on 24 hours translates to nearly $82,000 annually, providing a solid income while allowing for flexibility. Particularly in the case of per diem positions, professionals can command rates that are 10-25% higher than standard staff wages, making per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Berkeley a viable choice for many. Variances in hourly rates can be observed across different types of employers; while private practices might offer lower amounts compared to large healthcare organizations, a higher wage could come with the trade-off of fewer benefits. Ultrasound technologists often must weigh the pros and cons of accepting lower pay for job security and benefits versus pursuing higher hourly rates in per diem roles. Negotiating these aspects can be crucial, as knowing the market average and aligning with industry standards will empower professionals to advocate for their worth effectively within Berkeley's healthcare environment.
More salary data for Berkeley, 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 Berkeley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berkeley 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