Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in State College, PA: $38.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in State College, PA runs $38.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,578 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against State College's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,348 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In State College, Pennsylvania, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $38.74. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.73, highlighting a regional pricing dynamic for health care professionals. For those exploring part-time opportunities, particularly for three-day workweeks, the expected income translates to approximately $29,494 annually, an attractive option for individuals seeking work-life balance. Entry-level ultrasound technologists in the area can anticipate hourly wages beginning around $28.71, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $51.44. Such figures are derived from projected annual salaries and reflect the compensatory landscape for this vital healthcare role in State College.
About the State College Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.71 | $229.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.95 | $263.58 |
| Median (P50) | $38.74 | $309.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.07 | $344.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.44 | $411.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in State College
Based on $38.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.74/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in State College, PA can expect to earn approximately $80,580 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,488. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in State College.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in State College
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,549.61 | $6,715 | $80,580 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $929.76 | $4,029 | $48,348 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.84 | $2,686 | $32,232 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (State College) | $38.74 |
| 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 State College, PA earn a median of $80,578 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.50% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $84,463.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.74/hr = $48,348/year (purchasing power: $49,638).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,580/year (purchasing power: $82,731).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in State College grew 30.0% from $28.41/hr (2019) to $36.92/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.65/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 State College 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 State College
For part-time ultrasound technologists, the financial implications of working a 24-hour week can yield significant differences compared to full-time employment. While full-time professionals see higher annual earnings, part-time roles allow for flexibility, yet with a lower overall take-home pay. Per diem ultrasound technologist pay in State College often reaches a premium of 10-25% beyond typical staff wages, making it an appealing choice for many who prefer short-term contracts. The type of employer significantly influences hourly rates; private practices or community health centers might offer lower wages compared to larger healthcare organizations, which tend to provide benefits such as health insurance. For those motivated by higher hourly pay, understanding the trade-offs in job stability and benefits is essential. Negotiation skills can be particularly advantageous in this context, as being informed about local market rates can empower ultrasound technologists to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for State College, PA:
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 State College. 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 State College 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