Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Irvine, CA: $68.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Irvine, CA runs $68.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,928 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Irvine's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,159 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, the projected 2026 median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists stands at $68.24, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly figure of $48.73. This rate presents an attractive option for those seeking part-time positions, such as a three-day work week, allowing for a stable income in clinical environments where flexibility is often valued. New entrants to the field can expect to earn around $47.09 per hour, while experienced professionals may achieve hourly rates as high as $96.35, depending on specialization and employer. Given that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, they provide a valuable framework for understanding the earning potentials in this region.
About the Irvine 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) | $47.09 | $376.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.27 | $450.19 |
| Median (P50) | $68.24 | $545.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.47 | $635.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.35 | $770.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvine
Based on $68.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.24/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvine, CA can expect to earn approximately $141,931 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,883. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,729.44 | $11,828 | $141,931 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,637.66 | $7,097 | $85,159 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,091.78 | $4,731 | $56,772 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Irvine) | $68.24 |
| 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 Irvine, CA earn a median of $141,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.03% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 3.90% above the California state average of $136,601.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.24/hr = $85,159/year (purchasing power: $75,295).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,931/year (purchasing power: $125,491).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Irvine grew 30.0% from $50.04/hr (2019) to $65.03/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.60/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 Irvine 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 Irvine
For those considering part-time work, an ultrasound technologist working three days a week for 24 hours annually takes home a respectable income compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem roles often present higher earnings, with rates typically ranging 10-25% above standard pay rates, catering to those who prefer flexibility and variety in their work settings. Hourly compensation can differ significantly among various employers in Irvine, including private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics, often influenced by factors such as benefits and job security. Some ultrasound technologists may accept lower hourly wages for stable benefits like health insurance, while others opt for higher pay without such perks. Therefore, when negotiating hourly rates, it’s advisable to weigh the trade-offs between immediate compensation and long-term benefits, ensuring that each professional finds a balance that suits their career goals and lifestyle preferences in the competitive Irvine market.
More salary data for Irvine, 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 Irvine. 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 Irvine 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