Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Brea, CA: $62.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Brea, CA runs $62.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,631 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Brea's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,773 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, California, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $62.32, substantially surpassing the national median of $48.73. This higher pay can make significant differences for part-time workers, such as those on a 3-day work week, leading to a solid income even with fewer hours. For per-diem professionals, the potential earnings can be compelling; typical engagements allow for flexibility while offering competitive compensation, albeit with the understanding that pay varies from entry-level rates around $45.60 to experienced professionals earning up to $81.99 per hour. These hourly rates, reflecting current market conditions, are estimated from annual salary figures, which indicate the strong demand and value placed on this skilled occupation in the region.
About the Brea 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) | $45.60 | $364.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.63 | $421.06 |
| Median (P50) | $62.32 | $498.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.98 | $551.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.99 | $655.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brea
Based on $62.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.32/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brea, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,782. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,492.72 | $10,802 | $129,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,495.63 | $6,481 | $77,773 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $997.09 | $4,321 | $51,849 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Brea) | $62.32 |
| 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 Brea, CA earn a median of $129,631 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.90% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 5.10% below the California state average of $136,597.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.32/hr = $77,773/year (purchasing power: $68,765).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,621/year (purchasing power: $114,608).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Brea grew 30.0% from $45.70/hr (2019) to $59.39/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.39/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 Brea 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 Brea
Working part-time as an ultrasound technologist in Brea can yield a take-home income that's comparably lucrative, depending on the chosen schedule. A 24-hour work week results in earnings that can effectively reach around $77,697 annually, appealing to those seeking work-life balance without sacrificing income. Per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Brea can typically run higher than staff positions, offering a 10-25% premium depending on market demand and employer. Various employers, such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics, can influence the hourly rates due to their different compensation structures. Some professionals accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others pursue higher rates with the trade-off of fewer or no benefits. For effective salary negotiations, it's advisable to research local rates, articulate your skills confidently, and be prepared to demonstrate your value—strategies essential for navigating this dynamic field in California.
More salary data for Brea, 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 Brea. 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 Brea 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