Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $63.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Merced, CA runs $63.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,747 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,645 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merced, California, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $63.82, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $48.73. This higher compensation reflects the specialized skills required in clinical environments. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly pay translates into above-average earnings, benefiting those who balance their careers with other commitments or family responsibilities. The hourly pay ranges from $43.84 for entry-level technologists to $84.81 for the most experienced practitioners, illustrating the potential for growth within this field. It's crucial to recognize that these estimates are based on projected 2026 figures derived from 2025 BLS data, shedding light on the promising financial landscape for ultrasound technologists in the region.
About the Merced 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) | $43.84 | $350.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.93 | $415.44 |
| Median (P50) | $63.82 | $510.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.53 | $564.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.81 | $678.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $63.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.82/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $132,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,582. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,552.74 | $11,062 | $132,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,531.64 | $6,637 | $79,645 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,021.09 | $4,425 | $53,097 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Merced) | $63.82 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $132,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.98% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.80% below the California state average of $136,571.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.82/hr = $79,645/year (purchasing power: $70,420).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,742/year (purchasing power: $117,367).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Merced grew 30.0% from $46.80/hr (2019) to $60.82/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.96/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 Merced 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 Merced
Examining the earning potential for part-time ultrasound technologists in Merced, those working 24 hours a week can expect to take home roughly $79,365 annually, which still positions them favorably compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem positions and agency work present even more enticing opportunities, often offering a premium of 10-25% above standard staff pay. This can enhance the appeal of these roles, especially for specialists seeking flexible schedules. In Merced, hourly wages may vary by employer type; larger healthcare organizations often provide higher pay but might lack the flexibility of private practices or specialty clinics. Additionally, technologists must consider benefits packages when evaluating their options, weighing the trade-off between higher hourly pay and health insurance coverage. For those negotiating within the local market, demonstrating expertise in niche areas can provide leverage for better compensation, particularly in a market where ultrasound technologist hourly pay in Merced is already competitive compared to other regions in CA.
More salary data for Merced, 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 Merced. 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 Merced 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