Ultrasound Tech Pay

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $44.89 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Helena, MT runs $44.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,022 per year.

$93,369
Median Annual Salary
$44.89/hr
Hourly Rate
$69,428
Entry Level (P10)
$121,412
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Rate in Helena, MT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Helena, MT ultrasound technologist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Helena, MT, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $44.89. Compared to the national hourly median of $48.73, this represents a slightly lower compensation for the same role in other markets. For ultrasound technologists interested in part-time positions, such as three days a week, this might translate into a stable income while allowing for other commitments. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn as little as $33.38 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale, particularly in specialized practices, may see rates go up to $58.37. These figures are derived from annual salary data and give a clearer picture of hourly expectations in clinical settings typical for this profession.

About the Helena Market

Salary estimated from Montana average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$33.38$267.03
Lower Range (P25)$38.40$307.24
Median (P50)$44.89$359.11
Upper Range (P75)$50.14$401.08
Top Earners (P90)$58.37$466.98

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena

Based on $44.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a ultrasound technologist in Helena earning $44.89/hr would make approximately $53,867 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $93,369 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$53,867Reduced (32 hr/wk)$71,822Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$93,369

At $44.89/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $93,369 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,867. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$359.11
per 8hr shift
$1,795.56
per week
$7,781
per month
$93,369
per year

Schedule Comparison in Helena

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,795.56$7,781$93,369
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,077.34$4,668$56,022
Per Diem (16 hrs)$718.22$3,112$37,348

Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Ultrasound Technologist (Helena)$44.89
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing ultrasound technologist median salary in Helena ($93,369) with Montana average ($97,462) and the US national median ($101,352).Helena$93,369Montana Avg$97,462-4.20%US National$101,352-7.88%

Ultrasound Technologists in Helena, MT earn a median of $93,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $97,462.

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $44.89/hr = $56,022/year (purchasing power: $58,234).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,369/year (purchasing power: $97,057).

CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$32.92/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$42.78/hr

2026 Current Est.

$44.89/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+43.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Helena (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Helena. Baseline $32.92/hr in 2025, projected to $47.10/hr by 2027.$30$35$40$45$502019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$32.92$33.63$34.43$36.03$37.41$35.43$42.78$44.89$47.10
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$32.92/hrActual
2020$33.63/hrActual
2021$34.43/hrActual
2022$36.03/hrActual
2023$37.41/hrActual
2024$35.43/hrActual
2025$42.78/hrActual
2026(current)$44.89/hrEstimated
2027$47.10/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Helena grew 30.0% from $32.92/hr (2019) to $42.78/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.10/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ultrasound technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Helena

Focusing on the earning potential for part-time ultrasound technologists, working 24 hours a week would yield an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time professionals. However, many opt for per diem roles, which often command higher rates—generally 10-25% more than staff position pay—offering flexibility and the chance to boost overall earnings. In Helena, hourly rates can vary widely depending on the type of employer, with private practices and large healthcare organizations typically offering different compensation packages. Some professionals must weigh the benefits of health insurance and paid time off against higher hourly wages that come with agency or locum work. Negotiating pay in this market can involve discussing bonus opportunities and flexible scheduling to maximize overall remuneration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Helena in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Helena is $44.89/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $33.38 at entry level (10th percentile) to $58.37 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 7.9% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Helena?

A part-time ultrasound technologist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Helena earns approximately $4,668/month, or $56,022/year at the median hourly rate of $44.89. Many ultrasound technologists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are ultrasound technologists in Helena paid hourly or salary?

The majority of ultrasound technologists in Helena are paid hourly at a median rate of $44.89/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $93,369/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Helena?

A full-time ultrasound technologist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Helena earns approximately $93,369/year at the median hourly rate of $44.89. This is 7.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $121,415/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Helena?

Part-time and per diem ultrasound technologists in Helena sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $58.37/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Montana

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Helena. 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 Helena is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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