Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $43.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Raleigh, NC runs $43.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,376 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,227 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for ultrasound technologists is $43.45, which falls below the national median of $48.73 per hour. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for those working in clinical settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, as well as for part-time professionals who may work three days a week. For technologists at the entry level, hourly wages start around $36.78, while experienced professionals can earn up to $55.18, illustrating a substantial range of pay based on skills and experience. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the current market trends for ultrasound technologist hourly pay in Raleigh.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.78 | $294.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.00 | $319.99 |
| Median (P50) | $43.45 | $347.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.28 | $394.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.18 | $441.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $43.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.45/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $90,379 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,142. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,738.06 | $7,532 | $90,379 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,042.84 | $4,519 | $54,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $695.22 | $3,013 | $36,152 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Raleigh) | $43.45 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC earn a median of $90,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.83% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.10% above the North Carolina state average of $87,659.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.45/hr = $54,227/year (purchasing power: $55,246).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,379/year (purchasing power: $92,076).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Raleigh grew 26.9% from $32.62/hr (2019) to $41.41/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.59/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Part-time ultrasound technologists working a typical 24-hour week can expect to take home approximately $54,315 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, who may earn more due to extended hours and benefits. Interestingly, per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Raleigh tends to carry a 10-25% premium over standard staff wages, making it an appealing option for those seeking flexibility without committing to a full-time role. Compensation can vary widely depending on the employer—private practices may offer different rates compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. When negotiating pay, it’s essential to consider health benefits, as many technologists may accept positions with slightly lower hourly rates for access to healthcare and retirement plans. For those interested in maximizing earnings, understanding these nuances is critical to making informed career decisions within the ultrasound technology field in Raleigh.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
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 Raleigh. 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