Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Ana, CA: $69.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Santa Ana, CA runs $69.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Santa Ana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,861 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Ana, California, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay stands at a competitive median rate of $69.60, significantly higher than the national median of $48.73. This exceptional rate reflects the area’s higher cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in clinical settings. For ultrasound technologists working part-time — say, three days per week — this hourly wage can translate into a substantial income, allowing for flexible schedules while securing a strong financial position. New entrants can expect to earn around $45.03 per hour, with seasoned professionals approaching the top end of the spectrum at approximately $96.33 per hour. Such a range demonstrates the potential for significant financial growth within this field, especially for those who are willing to further their skills and experiences in the industry.
About the Santa Ana 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) | $45.03 | $360.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.94 | $439.53 |
| Median (P50) | $69.60 | $556.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.52 | $628.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.33 | $770.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Ana
Based on $69.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.60/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Ana, CA can expect to earn approximately $144,768 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,520. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Ana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Ana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,784.00 | $12,064 | $144,768 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,670.40 | $7,238 | $86,861 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,113.60 | $4,826 | $57,907 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Santa Ana) | $69.60 |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $144,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.83% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 6.00% above the California state average of $136,569.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.60/hr = $86,861/year (purchasing power: $76,800).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,768/year (purchasing power: $128,000).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Santa Ana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Santa Ana grew 30.0% from $51.04/hr (2019) to $66.33/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.03/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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana
Focusing on part-time work, an ultrasound technologist in Santa Ana working a typical three-day week, or 24 hours, could realistically take home around $86,688 annually, which illustrates the attractive earning potential without committing to full-time hours. The per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Santa Ana often exceeds standard W-2 rates by 10-25%, making locum positions appealing for those seeking greater flexibility or higher short-term compensation. Hourly rates also fluctuate based on employer types; private practices might offer lower wages compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialized clinics that can provide additional perks. Many professionals weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates in favor of securing health insurance and retirement plans, essential for long-term stability. For those negotiating pay, it’s vital to assess the complete compensation package rather than focusing solely on hourly pay to ensure a broad understanding of the trade-offs involved.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Santa Ana in 2026?
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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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana 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