Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, CA: $64.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Carlsbad, CA runs $64.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,929 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, California, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly pay of $64.85, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.73. This elevated rate reflects the competitive nature of the local job market, which is further accentuated by the area's higher cost of living. For part-time ultrasound technologists working three days a week, typically totaling 24 hours, this pay can create a solid income stream, especially when combined with the flexibility of per-diem opportunities. The hourly pay for ultrasound technologists varies widely, with entry-level professionals earning around $46.31, while experienced individuals can take home up to $89.25 per hour, illustrating the potential earnings in this healthcare sector.
About the Carlsbad 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) | $46.31 | $370.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.04 | $424.34 |
| Median (P50) | $64.85 | $518.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.19 | $585.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.25 | $714.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $64.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.85/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, CA can expect to earn approximately $134,881 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,816. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,593.87 | $11,240 | $134,881 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,556.32 | $6,744 | $80,929 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,037.55 | $4,496 | $53,952 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Carlsbad) | $64.85 |
| 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 Carlsbad, CA earn a median of $134,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.08% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.30% below the California state average of $136,660.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.85/hr = $80,929/year (purchasing power: $71,555).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,881/year (purchasing power: $119,258).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Carlsbad grew 30.0% from $47.55/hr (2019) to $61.80/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.04/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
Looking at the earning potential for many ultrasound technologists in Carlsbad, those working part-time can expect a lower annual take-home compared to their full-time counterparts, but still maintain a satisfactory income. Typically, the per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Carlsbad tends to run 10-25% above staff positions, making it an attractive option for those valuing flexibility and higher earnings per hour over traditional benefits. Variations in hourly rates are also influenced by employer type; private practices might offer different pay structures compared to large healthcare organizations and community health centers. Technologists often have to weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher pay rates in per-diem roles. Negotiating a competitive hourly rate requires understanding these dynamics and aligning them with personal needs and career goals in the local job market.
More salary data for Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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