Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Wilmington, NC: $41.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Wilmington, NC runs $41.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,294 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly pay of $41.10, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate provides a decent living for those in full-time positions, but it also offers an appealing prospect for part-time workers, typically employed around three days a week in clinical settings like hospitals and outpatient care centers. For part-time ultrasound technologists, the flexibility allows for additional earnings through per-diem work, with their hourly pay ranging from $33.75 for entry-level roles to $52.10 for seasoned professionals. These figures come from official BLS hourly data, reflecting the market dynamics specific to Wilmington.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.75 | $269.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.34 | $306.73 |
| Median (P50) | $41.10 | $328.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.24 | $393.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.10 | $416.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $41.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.10/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, NC can expect to earn approximately $85,490 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,321. With a cost-of-living index of 96.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,644.04 | $7,124 | $85,490 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $986.43 | $4,275 | $51,294 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $657.62 | $2,850 | $34,196 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Wilmington) | $41.10 |
| 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 Wilmington, NC earn a median of $85,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.64% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.40% below the North Carolina state average of $87,599.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.10/hr = $51,294/year (purchasing power: $53,198).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,490/year (purchasing power: $88,663).
CoL index: 96.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Wilmington grew 29.1% from $30.33/hr (2019) to $39.17/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.13/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Part-time ultrasound technologists working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $51,216 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those in the field considering per-diem opportunities, rates can be 10-25% higher than regular staff pay, leading to more lucrative daily earnings. It's essential to note that different employers—such as private practices versus large health systems—offer varying rates, which could impact total compensation significantly. Some professionals may choose lower hourly wages for stable benefits like healthcare, while others might prioritize higher pay without the safety net of insurance. When negotiating, ultrasound technologists in Wilmington should highlight their specific skills and consider the total compensation package, factoring in both hourly rates and benefits. Understanding these dynamics can help in making informed career choices in this growing field.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Wilmington?
Are ultrasound technologists in Wilmington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Wilmington?
Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Wilmington?
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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 Wilmington. 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