Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $41.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Lafayette, LA runs $41.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,053 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,635 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lafayette, Louisiana, ultrasound technologists command a median hourly rate of $41.37, which falls below the national median of $48.73 per hour. This difference highlights how local market conditions can influence pay. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a stable income while offering flexibility, ideal for those balancing additional responsibilities or pursuing further education. The hourly wage range for technologists in Lafayette goes from approximately $31.95 at the entry level to around $48.75 for experienced professionals, reflecting the varying levels of expertise and demand within clinical settings. This data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections based on 2025 data, ensuring a reliable snapshot of expected pay in this growing field.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.95 | $255.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.86 | $278.86 |
| Median (P50) | $41.37 | $330.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.85 | $350.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.75 | $390.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $41.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.37/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $86,058 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,649. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,654.96 | $7,171 | $86,058 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.97 | $4,303 | $51,635 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.98 | $2,869 | $34,423 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Lafayette) | $41.37 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA earn a median of $86,053 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.09% lower than the national median of $101,352.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.37/hr = $51,635/year (purchasing power: $59,208).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,058/year (purchasing power: $98,680).
CoL index: 87.209 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Lafayette grew 42.4% from $27.68/hr (2019) to $39.43/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.41/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
When considering earnings as an ultrasound technologist, part-time work allows professionals to bring home approximately $51,303 annually based on a 24-hour work week, in contrast to full-time counterparts who may earn more through consistent hours. Moreover, the per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Lafayette often reflects a premium of 10-25% over standard W-2 wages, creating an attractive option for those seeking higher pay without long-term commitments. Hourly rates can also vary significantly depending on the employer type; private practices may offer different compensation compared to larger healthcare organizations or community health centers, often weighing higher rates against employee benefits. Many technologists opt for positions that provide health insurance despite potentially lower hourly wages, highlighting a personal choice between immediate financial gain and long-term security. Effective negotiation strategies, such as understanding local market rates and leveraging unique skills or certifications, can greatly enhance compensation outcomes for ultrasound technologists in Lafayette.
More salary data for Lafayette, 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 Lafayette. 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, 7-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