Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $71.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Modesto, CA runs $71.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,172 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,904 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, California, the hourly pay for ultrasound technologists is projected to reach a median of $71.24 in 2026. This figure represents a substantial increase over the national hourly median of $48.73, indicating that ultrasound technologists in this city can earn 46.20% more than their counterparts nationwide. For those considering part-time work, where a typical schedule might involve three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a viable income, especially when working in clinical settings such as hospitals or imaging centers. The hourly range for this profession stretches from $40.56 at the entry-level up to $89.68 for experienced technologists, highlighting the potential for growth within the field as skills and credentials are enhanced. These statistics are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.56 | $324.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.94 | $431.56 |
| Median (P50) | $71.24 | $569.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.68 | $717.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.68 | $717.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $71.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.24/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $148,173 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,484. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,849.48 | $12,348 | $148,173 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,709.69 | $7,409 | $88,904 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,139.79 | $4,939 | $59,269 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Modesto) | $71.24 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $148,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.20% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 8.40% above the California state average of $136,690.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.24/hr = $88,904/year (purchasing power: $85,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,173/year (purchasing power: $142,326).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+68.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Modesto grew 52.8% from $44.43/hr (2019) to $67.89/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.75/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
For those who may opt for part-time work as ultrasound technologists, the annual earnings for a 3-day workweek (approximately 24 hours) can significantly affect financial planning, compared with full-time counterparts. In addition, per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Modesto can often exceed the average W-2 staff pay by 10-25% due to the nature of agency and locum tenens roles, attracting professionals looking for flexibility in their schedules. It's also crucial to note that hourly pay can vary among employer types in Modesto. Private practices or specialized clinics may offer different rates compared to larger healthcare organizations or community health centers, reflecting differing budgets and workforce demands. Therefore, some technologists might accept a lower hourly wage in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which is often not available for per diem roles. When negotiating hourly pay, understanding these dynamics in Modesto's job market is key; professionals should be equipped with comparative data and tailored strategies to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Modesto, 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 Modesto. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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