Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $39.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Ruston, LA runs $39.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,750 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,644 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ruston, Louisiana, the hourly wage for ultrasound technologists is projected to be $39.78 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower compared to the national median hourly rate of $48.73, indicating a regional difference that could impact job choices for professionals in the field. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a potential income that can still support a reliable lifestyle, making per-diem ultrasound technologist positions both viable and appealing within clinical settings. The hourly range for this role varies widely, with entry-level technologists earning approximately $29.74 while more experienced professionals can command up to $50.43 per hour. These estimates derive from annual salary data and reflect the compensation landscape for ultrasound technologists in this particular locale.
About the Ruston 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) | $29.74 | $237.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.87 | $270.97 |
| Median (P50) | $39.78 | $318.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.08 | $344.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.43 | $403.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $39.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.78/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $82,740 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,735. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,591.16 | $6,895 | $82,740 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $954.70 | $4,137 | $49,644 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.46 | $2,758 | $33,096 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Ruston) | $39.78 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $82,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.35% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $86,019.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.78/hr = $49,644/year (purchasing power: $54,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,740/year (purchasing power: $91,628).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Ruston grew 30.0% from $29.17/hr (2019) to $37.91/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.74/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
Part-time ultrasound technologists working a 24-hour week in Ruston can expect to take home an annual income of around $49,478, which is quite different from that of full-time technicians. For those interested in per-diem or agency roles, it’s beneficial to note that such positions often offer a pay premium ranging from 10-25% above standard hourly wages. The type of employer plays a significant role in determining hourly rates; for instance, positions at private practices may provide different compensation compared to larger healthcare organizations or community health centers. Many ultrasound technologists weigh the trade-offs between accepting lower hourly wages in exchange for generous benefits like health insurance against the allure of higher per-hour pay without the safety net of benefits. This situation makes negotiation an essential skill, particularly in Ruston’s unique job market, where understanding the value of your skills and being prepared to articulate your worth can lead to better pay structures and more favorable working conditions.
More salary data for Ruston, 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 Ruston. 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 Ruston 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