Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Salem, OR: $64.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Salem, OR runs $64.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,975 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,379 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Ultrasound technologists in Salem, Oregon, earn a median hourly rate of $64.41, significantly higher than the national median of $48.73. This favorable pay scale can greatly benefit professionals working part-time, such as those on a 3-day-a-week schedule, and per-diem workers who may wish to capitalize on the growing demand in clinical settings. For entry-level positions, the hourly pay starts at approximately $48.60, while more experienced professionals can see rates soaring to around $69.15. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2026 indicates that Salem's ultrasound technologist hourly pay is not only competitive locally but is also aligned with the city’s cost of living index, which stands above the national average.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.60 | $388.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.96 | $415.69 |
| Median (P50) | $64.41 | $515.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.86 | $542.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.15 | $553.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $64.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.41/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, OR can expect to earn approximately $133,965 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,287. With a cost-of-living index of 103.65 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,576.24 | $11,164 | $133,965 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,545.74 | $6,698 | $80,379 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,030.50 | $4,465 | $53,586 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Salem) | $64.41 |
| 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 Salem, OR earn a median of $133,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.19% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 11.50% above the Oregon state average of $120,157.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.41/hr = $80,379/year (purchasing power: $77,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,965/year (purchasing power: $129,248).
CoL index: 103.649 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+62.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Salem grew 47.3% from $41.68/hr (2019) to $61.38/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.58/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 Salem 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 Salem
For part-time ultrasound technologists working 24 hours a week, the annual earnings can still reach a substantial amount, although less than their full-time counterparts. Many choose to work as per-diem ultrasound technologists, often earning an hourly rate that carries a premium of 10-25% over standard staff pay, making this a lucrative option for some. However, salary variations occur based on the type of employer in Salem, where compensation aligns differently across private practices, community health centers, and large healthcare organizations. While some technologists may accept lower hourly rates for secure benefits such as health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating pay, it's essential for professionals to understand their worth in Salem's market and to consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and additional benefits when evaluating job offers.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Salem?
Are ultrasound technologists in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Salem?
Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
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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 Salem. 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