Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $45.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in North Charleston, SC runs $45.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,393 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,637 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Charleston, South Carolina, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $45.38, which falls below the national hourly median of $48.73. This pay structure reflects both the demand for ultrasound services and the cost of living in the region, which is at 91.5, below the national average. For professionals considering part-time roles, working three days a week in clinical settings at this hourly pay can lead to a manageable lifestyle while still providing quality healthcare. For those just entering the field, the hourly pay starts at approximately $29.66, while experienced technologists can earn up to $60.58 per hour, highlighting a range of opportunities and the potential for advancement based on experience and specialization.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.66 | $237.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.72 | $309.75 |
| Median (P50) | $45.38 | $363.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.10 | $400.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.58 | $484.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $45.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.38/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $94,395 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,459. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,815.29 | $7,866 | $94,395 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,089.17 | $4,720 | $56,637 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.12 | $3,147 | $37,758 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (North Charleston) | $45.38 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $94,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.87% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.50% above the South Carolina state average of $88,632.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.38/hr = $56,637/year (purchasing power: $61,898).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,395/year (purchasing power: $103,164).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in North Charleston grew 30.0% from $33.28/hr (2019) to $43.25/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.62/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 North 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 North Charleston
Exploring the part-time earning potential, a 24-hour work week for an ultrasound technologist translates to approximately $56,632 annually, which is a significant difference compared to a full-time employee working 40 hours a week. Per diem ultrasound technologist pay in North Charleston often commands a premium, with rates generally 10-25% higher than standard staff pay, making it appealing for those seeking flexible work arrangements. Employer types greatly influence hourly wages; private practices might offer lower rates compared to large healthcare organizations or community health centers, which often provide benefits that a higher hourly rate without benefits cannot match. Ultrasound technologists may find themselves negotiating between pay and security, making it critical to consider both immediate earnings and long-term benefits when assessing job offers in the region.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in North Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in North 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 North 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
Salary data for North Charleston 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