Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Encinitas, CA: $66.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Encinitas, CA runs $66.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Encinitas's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,011 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Encinitas, California, the hourly pay for an ultrasound technologist reaches a median rate of $66.52. This rate significantly exceeds the national median of $48.73, indicating a strong demand for these professionals in the area. For those considering part-time work, say three days a week, this rate translates into $1,067 for a typical 24-hour workweek. With the hourly wage varying from $46.71 for entry-level positions to $87.08 for top earners, individuals in this field can expect competitive compensation in clinical settings. The variations in pay are reflective of annual salary estimates, which further tell the story of economic opportunities available to ultrasound technologists in Encinitas.
About the Encinitas 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) | $46.71 | $373.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.90 | $439.20 |
| Median (P50) | $66.52 | $532.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.93 | $583.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.08 | $696.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Encinitas
Based on $66.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.52/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Encinitas, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,351 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,818. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Encinitas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Encinitas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,660.61 | $11,529 | $138,351 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,596.36 | $6,918 | $83,011 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.24 | $4,612 | $55,341 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Encinitas) | $66.52 |
| 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 Encinitas, CA earn a median of $138,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.51% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.30% above the California state average of $136,577.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.52/hr = $83,011/year (purchasing power: $73,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,351/year (purchasing power: $122,327).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Encinitas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Encinitas grew 30.0% from $48.77/hr (2019) to $63.39/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.79/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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas
For ultrasound technologists working part-time, the annual take-home pay can be quite different from full-time earnings. A technologist working three days a week might earn around $55,484 annually compared to a full-time colleague earning more than $138,352 yearly. Those opting for per diem roles often find themselves earning a premium, as per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Encinitas can range 10-25% higher than typical staff positions. This creates an attractive offer for many, especially as pay rates can differ significantly across various employers, from private practices to larger healthcare organizations. In accepting positions, technologists often face a choice: an hourly rate with no benefits versus a lower rate but with solid health insurance. Negotiates can be strategic; understanding local employer trends and demonstrating value during discussions can lead to better hourly offers, tailored to individual lifestyle needs within the Encinitas job market.
More salary data for Encinitas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Encinitas in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Encinitas?
Are ultrasound technologists in Encinitas paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Encinitas?
Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Encinitas?
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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 Encinitas. 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 Encinitas 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