Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Paducah, KY: $40.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Paducah, KY runs $40.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,448 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Paducah's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,666 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The ultrasound technologist hourly pay in Paducah, Kentucky, stands at a median of $40.60 per hour, which is lower than the national average of $48.73 per hour. This hourly rate translates into potential earnings that can vary significantly for those working part-time or per diem in clinical settings. For instance, a part-time ultrasound technologist who works three days a week may take home a considerable paycheck without the commitment of full-time hours. The pay range in Paducah spans from $24.42 for entry-level positions to as high as $57.97 for experienced professionals, reflecting the varying levels of expertise and responsibility in this role. These figures are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected to 2026, providing a current and authoritative snapshot of the market.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.42 | $195.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.99 | $263.92 |
| Median (P50) | $40.60 | $324.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.15 | $385.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.97 | $463.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paducah
Based on $40.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.60/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paducah, KY can expect to earn approximately $84,443 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,717. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paducah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paducah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,623.90 | $7,037 | $84,443 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $974.34 | $4,222 | $50,666 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.56 | $2,815 | $33,777 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Paducah) | $40.60 |
| 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 Paducah, KY earn a median of $84,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.68% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.70% below the Kentucky state average of $90,512.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.60/hr = $50,666/year (purchasing power: $58,856).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,443/year (purchasing power: $98,093).
CoL index: 86.084 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Paducah grew 30.0% from $29.77/hr (2019) to $38.69/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.60/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 Paducah 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 Paducah
Considering the dynamics of both part-time and per diem work, there is a noticeable difference in take-home pay compared to full-time employment. An ultrasound technologist working 24 hours a week would earn significantly less on an annual basis than their full-time counterparts. For per diem ultrasound technologists, the pay can be more lucrative, often commanding a 10-25% premium over traditional staff wages, making it an appealing option for those seeking flexibility. In Paducah, the variability in hourly rates may also depend on employer type—private practices might pay differently than large healthcare organizations or community health centers. Technologists often face the choice of accepting lower hourly wages with benefits, such as insurance, or opting for higher hourly rates without these perks. When negotiating hourly rates, it's beneficial to research local compensation trends and present data clearly to prospective employers, ensuring informed discussions around pay in this competitive field.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Paducah 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 Paducah. 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, 2-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