Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Central, LA: $39.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Central, LA runs $39.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,667 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Central's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,605 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central, Louisiana, the hourly pay for ultrasound technologists is projected to be $39.75 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This significant difference highlights local market conditions and operational budget considerations within the healthcare sector. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this rate translates to a reliable income, yet it remains essential to weigh the benefits of per-diem positions. Notably, per-diem ultrasound technologists in Central may find remuneration that falls within an attractive range, potentially reaching premiums over the standard rates. The overall hourly payment spectrum extends from $29.76 for entry-level positions up to $51.92 for the highest earners in this field, reflecting varied experience and proficiency.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.76 | $238.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.15 | $273.24 |
| Median (P50) | $39.75 | $317.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.68 | $349.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.92 | $415.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central
Based on $39.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.75/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central, LA can expect to earn approximately $82,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,697. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Central.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,589.90 | $6,890 | $82,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $953.94 | $4,134 | $49,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $635.96 | $2,756 | $33,070 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Central) | $39.75 |
| 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 Central, LA earn a median of $82,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.44% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $86,022.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.75/hr = $49,605/year (purchasing power: $54,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,675/year (purchasing power: $91,556).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Central grew 30.0% from $29.15/hr (2019) to $37.88/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.71/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 Central 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 Central
When examining the potential earnings of ultrasound technologists in Central, the implications of working part-time cannot be overlooked. A professional working 24 hours a week at the hourly median would bring home approximately $62,760 annually, in contrast to a full-time worker earning considerably more with their increased availability. In addition to standard positions, per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Central often includes premiums of 10-25% over regular staff wages, thus providing an appealing alternative for those preferring flexible working arrangements. Various employer types, including private practices and larger healthcare organizations, influence hourly rates. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for employment benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize a higher wage without benefits, which introduces interesting negotiation scenarios. For those interested in maximizing their earnings, knowing how to effectively articulate their value during pay discussions is critical in a market like Central, LA.
More salary data for Central, LA:
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 Central. 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 Central 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