Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $80.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in San Francisco, CA runs $80.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,171 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,899 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, ultrasound technologists in San Francisco can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $80.85, significantly higher than the national average of $48.73. This competitive rate offers substantial financial benefits, especially for those working part-time or per diem in clinical settings, where flexible schedules are common. For ultrasound technologists working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a noteworthy income while also allowing for potential boosts through overtime or additional shifts. The hourly compensation spans a range from $47.72 for entry-level positions to $102.98 for the highest earners, aligning with the professional advancement opportunities present in this vibrant city. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, highlights the lucrative potential of ultrasound technologist hourly pay in San Francisco.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.72 | $381.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.24 | $497.96 |
| Median (P50) | $80.85 | $646.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.40 | $731.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.98 | $823.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $80.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.85/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $168,165 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,018. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,233.94 | $14,014 | $168,165 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,940.37 | $8,408 | $100,899 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,293.58 | $5,606 | $67,266 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (San Francisco) | $80.85 |
| 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 San Francisco, CA earn a median of $168,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 65.93% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 23.10% above the California state average of $136,614.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.85/hr = $100,899/year (purchasing power: $87,273).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,165/year (purchasing power: $145,455).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in San Francisco grew 39.6% from $55.19/hr (2019) to $77.05/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.83/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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco
Analyzing the financial landscape for ultrasound technologists reveals intriguing earning dynamics, particularly for those choosing part-time work. A technologist working 24 hours per week at a typical hourly rate could see their annual income significantly differ from those employed full-time. Part-time professionals benefit from flexibility but might earn less than their full-time counterparts, especially if they rely on agency or locum tenens positions, which generally offer a premium of 10-25% over standard staff rates. In San Francisco, hourly rates can vary widely across different employer types, with private practices, large health systems, and specialty clinics all presenting unique pay structures. For those weighing the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates without additional perks, practical advice includes negotiating clearly and understanding the full compensation package beyond just the paycheck. Ultimately, market trends indicate that ultrasound technologists skilled in negotiation can significantly enhance their hourly earnings while contributing to essential healthcare services in the CA area.
More salary data for San Francisco, 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 San Francisco. 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