Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Durham, NC: $43.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Durham, NC runs $43.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,295 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Durham's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,175 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durham, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for ultrasound technologists is $43.41. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $48.73, reflecting regional variations in the healthcare sector. For those seeking part-time work, such as a typical 3-day workweek, this wage allows for a stable income while balancing other commitments. Per-diem options are also available, appealing for flexibility and potentially higher pay rates. The hourly compensation ranges from about $27.51 for entry-level positions to $62.19 for those with extensive experience or specialized skills, offering pathways for both new graduates and seasoned professionals. Notably, these figures are estimates derived from annual salary projections, illustrating the earning potential based on a clinical environment appropriate for this role.
About the Durham Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.51 | $220.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.37 | $290.95 |
| Median (P50) | $43.41 | $347.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.52 | $388.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.19 | $497.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durham
Based on $43.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.41/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durham, NC can expect to earn approximately $90,292 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,091. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Durham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,736.38 | $7,524 | $90,292 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,041.83 | $4,515 | $54,175 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $694.55 | $3,010 | $36,117 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Durham) | $43.41 |
| 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 Durham, NC earn a median of $90,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.91% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $87,665.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.41/hr = $54,175/year (purchasing power: $57,879).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,292/year (purchasing power: $96,466).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Durham grew 20.1% from $34.44/hr (2019) to $41.37/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.55/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 Durham 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 Durham
When considering part-time opportunities in Durham, an ultrasound technologist working three days a week would take home approximately $54,212 annually. In contrast, full-time professionals may earn substantially more, making employment status a significant factor in overall income. For those pursuing per-diem roles, it's common to see pay rates that exceed standard W-2 positions by 10-25%, which can be particularly advantageous depending on one's financial needs or lifestyle choices. Additionally, hourly rates can differ based on the employer type, with private practices often offering modest pay compared to larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics that tend to provide more competitive compensation. Some ultrasound technologists may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for valuable health insurance and other benefits, creating a trade-off between guaranteed support and higher take-home pay. Effective negotiation strategies are essential in Durham, particularly when discussing hourly pay as they influence compensation packages significantly.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Durham in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Durham?
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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 Durham. 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 Durham 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