Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in San Marcos, CA: $65.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in San Marcos, CA runs $65.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,963 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Marcos, California, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $65.68, which significantly outpaces the national median of $48.73. This translates to an attractive prospect for both full-time and part-time professionals, where those working three days a week can earn a competitive wage while maintaining work-life balance. For entry-level positions, hourly earnings start at approximately $44.50, while top earners can see rates up to $91.03. This substantial range illustrates the potential earnings an ultrasound technologist may enjoy in this city, reflecting both skill level and experience. These hourly rates are essentially derived from annual salary data, emphasizing the financial viability of pursuing a career in this field.
About the San Marcos 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) | $44.50 | $356.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.19 | $425.51 |
| Median (P50) | $65.68 | $525.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.34 | $578.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.03 | $728.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $65.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.68/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,605 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,811. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,627.03 | $11,384 | $136,605 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,576.22 | $6,830 | $81,963 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,050.81 | $4,554 | $54,642 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (San Marcos) | $65.68 |
| 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 Marcos, CA earn a median of $136,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.79% higher than the national median of $101,352.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.68/hr = $81,963/year (purchasing power: $72,470).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,605/year (purchasing power: $120,783).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in San Marcos grew 30.0% from $48.16/hr (2019) to $62.59/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.91/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 Marcos 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 Marcos
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time ultrasound technologists reveals attractive outcomes. A part-time schedule allows professionals to work 24 hours per week, yielding an annual income of around $82,440 if consistently clocking in that average. However, opting for per-diem roles can be even more financially beneficial, as these positions often command a premium hourly pay, offering rates 10-25% higher than typical staff positions due to their flexible nature. Within the San Marcos area, the hourly rates can vary across different employers—from private practices to larger healthcare organizations—each impacting compensation differently. In navigating these choices, ultrasound technologists may weigh the trade-off between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a slightly lower salary with health insurance and job security. To optimize compensation, professionals in this field would benefit from negotiating effectively with prospective employers, emphasizing their unique credentials and experience to secure the best offer possible.
More salary data for San Marcos, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in San Marcos in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in San Marcos?
Are ultrasound technologists in San Marcos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in San Marcos?
Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Marcos?
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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 Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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