Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $44.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Charleston, SC runs $44.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,422 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,458 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the hourly pay for ultrasound technologists is projected to be $44.44 in 2026. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $48.73. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, the financial implications are significant, offering a competitive pay scale while providing flexibility. In Charleston, the hourly range spans from $38.95 for entry-level roles to $54.60 for seasoned professionals. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflects the market's response to demand and supply within clinical settings where ultrasound technologists typically operate, including hospitals and imaging centers.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.95 | $311.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.01 | $336.11 |
| Median (P50) | $44.44 | $355.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.60 | $436.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.60 | $436.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $44.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.44/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $92,431 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,325. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,777.51 | $7,703 | $92,431 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,066.51 | $4,622 | $55,458 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $711.01 | $3,081 | $36,972 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Charleston) | $44.44 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $92,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.81% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.30% above the South Carolina state average of $88,612.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.44/hr = $55,458/year (purchasing power: $54,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,431/year (purchasing power: $91,550).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Charleston grew 19.5% from $35.44/hr (2019) to $42.35/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.63/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
When assessing the financial landscape for part-time ultrasound technologists in Charleston, a 24-hour workweek could yield around $58,356 annually, compared to those working full-time. Per-diem positions, often appealing for their flexibility, generally command a 10-25% premium over standard rates, suggesting a pay range that can significantly enhance earnings for those who choose this path. Different employer types in the Charleston area also influence hourly wages; larger healthcare organizations might provide better hourly compensation than smaller private practices or community health centers. While some ultrasound technologists may accept lower rates in exchange for comprehensive health insurance benefits, others leverage their skills in workplaces offering higher pay without additional perks. For those seeking to negotiate better pay, understanding the local market dynamics is crucial, as is highlighting specialized skills or certifications to justify higher rates.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Charleston?
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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 Charleston. 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