Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in San Luis Obispo, CA: $63.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in San Luis Obispo, CA runs $63.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,257 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against San Luis Obispo's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.6, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,755 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay in San Luis Obispo stands at a competitive $63.10, significantly surpassing the national median of $48.73. This elevated hourly rate positions local professionals favorably, especially for those seeking part-time work, typically operating in clinical settings. Working just three days a week, a technologist can still earn a substantial income, making this career attractive for individuals balancing other commitments. The range of hourly pay spans from $32.54 for entry-level positions to $76.92 for highly experienced operators, indicating a healthy compensation environment for ultrasound technologists in this region. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing an official forecast on income expectations.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.54 | $260.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.21 | $313.70 |
| Median (P50) | $63.10 | $504.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.98 | $543.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.92 | $615.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Luis Obispo
Based on $63.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.10/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Luis Obispo, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,258 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,726. With a cost-of-living index of 108.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Luis Obispo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Luis Obispo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,524.20 | $10,938 | $131,258 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,514.52 | $6,563 | $78,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,009.68 | $4,375 | $52,503 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (San Luis Obispo) | $63.10 |
| 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 Luis Obispo, CA earn a median of $131,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.51% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 3.90% below the California state average of $136,584.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.10/hr = $78,755/year (purchasing power: $72,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,258/year (purchasing power: $120,868).
CoL index: 108.596 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+63.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in San Luis Obispo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in San Luis Obispo grew 48.1% from $40.61/hr (2019) to $60.14/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.22/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 Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo
Part-time ultrasound technologists in San Luis Obispo, working a standard schedule of 24 hours per week, could see their take-home pay hover around $78,384 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings in the same role. Per diem ultrasound technologist pay in San Luis Obispo usually comes with a premium of 10-25% more than traditional W-2 pay, enticing professionals who prefer flexible schedules. Hourly compensation can vary considerably depending on the type of employer, with large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often offering higher rates compared to private practices or community health centers. This variability poses trade-offs; some technologists opt for positions with lower hourly wages to access better health benefits. Those looking to negotiate their pay should be prepared to discuss market rates for their specific expertise, ensuring they strike a balance between hourly pay and benefits that suit their needs.
More salary data for San Luis Obispo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in San Luis Obispo in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in San Luis Obispo?
Are ultrasound technologists in San Luis Obispo paid hourly or salary?
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Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Luis Obispo?
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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 Luis Obispo. 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