Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in New Orleans, LA: $41.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in New Orleans, LA runs $41.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,116 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against New Orleans's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,674 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In New Orleans, Louisiana, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $41.41. This figure is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.73 for similar positions across the United States. For part-time professionals working about three days a week, or for per-diem ultrasound technologists filling in as needed, this hourly pay could translate into a steady income, even with less than full-time hours. The hourly rates for ultrasound technologists in New Orleans vary, with entry-level positions starting around $36.16, while experienced technologists can expect to earn up to $51.29 per hour. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a clear picture of the earning potential for those in the field.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.16 | $289.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.69 | $309.50 |
| Median (P50) | $41.41 | $331.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.28 | $386.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.29 | $410.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Orleans
Based on $41.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.41/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Orleans, LA can expect to earn approximately $86,123 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,686. With a cost-of-living index of 92.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Orleans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Orleans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,656.22 | $7,177 | $86,123 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $993.73 | $4,306 | $51,674 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $662.49 | $2,871 | $34,449 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (New Orleans) | $41.41 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA earn a median of $86,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.03% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.10% above the Louisiana state average of $86,030.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.41/hr = $51,674/year (purchasing power: $55,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,123/year (purchasing power: $93,009).
CoL index: 92.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in New Orleans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in New Orleans grew 27.0% from $31.07/hr (2019) to $39.46/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.45/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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans
When analyzing the potential earnings for ultrasound technologists, it's vital to consider the impact of working part-time or per-diem. A technologist working three days a week, clocking in 24 hours, could take home around $51,055 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart but still within a manageable range. For those considering per-diem work, rates often exceed traditional staff pay by 10-25%, providing an attractive option for flexibility. Hourly wages can fluctuate based on the type of employer; private practices may offer lower pay compared to large healthcare organizations, which often include health benefits. Furthermore, many ultrasound technologists must weigh the trade-off of accepting a slightly lower hourly for job security and benefits offered by larger clinics. In negotiating terms, it’s advisable for professionals in New Orleans to assess both salary and total compensation packages thoroughly, focusing not just on hourly figures but overall job satisfaction and security.
More salary data for New Orleans, 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 New Orleans. 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