Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Salinas, CA: $66.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Salinas, CA runs $66.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,818 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Salinas's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,286 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salinas, California, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $66.74, significantly higher than the national median of $48.73. This favorable hourly rate offers excellent opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in clinical settings where ultrasound services are common. For those engaging in part-time work, typically around three days a week, the potential to earn a stable income while maintaining flexibility exists. The hourly range for ultrasound technologists in Salinas spans from $44.19 for entry-level positions to $93.81 for top-tier earners, showcasing considerable earning potential across different experience levels.
About the Salinas 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) | $44.19 | $353.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.20 | $425.60 |
| Median (P50) | $66.74 | $533.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.48 | $611.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.81 | $750.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salinas
Based on $66.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.74/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salinas, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,810 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,083. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salinas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salinas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,669.42 | $11,567 | $138,810 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,601.65 | $6,940 | $83,286 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,067.77 | $4,627 | $55,524 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Salinas) | $66.74 |
| 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 Salinas, CA earn a median of $138,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.97% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.60% above the California state average of $136,632.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.74/hr = $83,286/year (purchasing power: $73,639).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,810/year (purchasing power: $122,732).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Salinas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Salinas grew 3.2% from $61.63/hr (2019) to $63.60/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.03/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 Salinas 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 Salinas
Analyzing the part-time earning potential reveals that an ultrasound technologist working 24 hours a week might take home an annual income that still reflects substantial compensation compared to full-time workers, albeit without the benefits typically associated with full-time employment. Many professionals in the field also explore per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Salinas, where rates can exceed regular staff pay by 10-25%, offering greater financial incentives. Compensation varies across employer types in the area, impacting hourly earnings—those in large healthcare organizations often receive more comprehensive benefits compared to those in private practices or community health centers. For ultrasound technologists considering their options, negotiating for a slightly lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits can provide long-term security. To maximize earning potential, professionals should emphasize their specialized skills and consider opportunities that align with their career goals in Salinas.
More salary data for Salinas, 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 Salinas. 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 Salinas 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