Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $65.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Tustin, CA runs $65.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,491 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,898 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay is projected at $65.62 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $48.73 per hour. This premium rate indicates a favorable environment for both full-time and part-time professionals. For those working three days a week, or around 24 hours total, the earnings can amount to substantial take-home pay, reflecting the competitive salary structure in this field. Entry-level positions may start at $44.37 per hour, while experienced professionals could earn as much as $86.67 per hour. The salary variations highlight the potential for growth in this occupation, rooted in annual salary data estimates and influenced by factors such as experience, employer type, and regional demand in Tustin.
About the Tustin 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) | $44.37 | $355.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.07 | $424.59 |
| Median (P50) | $65.62 | $524.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.20 | $577.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.67 | $693.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $65.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.62/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,496 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,748. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,624.93 | $11,375 | $136,496 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,574.96 | $6,825 | $81,898 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,049.97 | $4,550 | $54,599 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Tustin) | $65.62 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $136,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.67% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.10% below the California state average of $136,627.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.62/hr = $81,898/year (purchasing power: $72,412).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,496/year (purchasing power: $120,686).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Tustin grew 30.0% from $48.12/hr (2019) to $62.54/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.86/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
For ultrasound technologists considering part-time work, the annual earnings for a 3-day workweek present an interesting comparison to full-time salaries. Working 24 hours weekly at the hourly rate means a part-time professional could bring home approximately $81,000 each year, a compelling figure for those seeking flexibility. Per diem or agency work can further enhance earning potential, often providing rates that exceed staff positions by 10-25%, translating to more lucrative opportunities in Tustin's healthcare market. However, this flexibility typically comes with trade-offs, as some ultrasound technologists may favor stable employment with lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance. In negotiating hourly pay, professionals should consider their priorities—balancing higher rates against job security and access to benefits. Being aware of salary variations across different healthcare settings, such as private practices versus larger hospital institutions, can also inform successful negotiation strategies in the Tustin area.
More salary data for Tustin, 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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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