Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Rapid City, SD: $45.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Rapid City, SD runs $45.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Rapid City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,082 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rapid City, South Dakota, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay averages $45.74, which is somewhat below the national median of $48.73. This rate not only reflects the financial state for full-time professionals but also impacts part-time workers who may take on schedules of three days a week, allowing for a flexible work-life balance. Part-time ultrasound technologists can expect to earn a median of around $3,659 for a typical week, providing a stable income by working within clinical settings such as hospitals and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay for entry-level positions starts at about $32.05, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn up to $61.57, giving a clear picture of potential earnings in the region for ultrasound technologists.
About the Rapid City Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.05 | $256.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.70 | $301.61 |
| Median (P50) | $45.74 | $365.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.03 | $408.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.57 | $492.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rapid City
Based on $45.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.74/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rapid City, SD can expect to earn approximately $95,137 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,887. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rapid City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rapid City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,829.56 | $7,928 | $95,137 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,097.74 | $4,757 | $57,082 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.82 | $3,171 | $38,055 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Rapid City) | $45.74 |
| 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 Rapid City, SD earn a median of $95,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.13% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.20% above the South Dakota state average of $94,016.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.74/hr = $57,082/year (purchasing power: $61,511).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,137/year (purchasing power: $102,518).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Rapid City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Rapid City grew 27.8% from $34.12/hr (2019) to $43.59/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.99/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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City
When considering a part-time role, an ultrasound technologist working three days a week for 24 hours can expect to take home around $56,000 annually, which is significantly less than what full-timers earn but still offers reasonable compensation. Per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Rapid City tends to exceed regular wages by 10-25%, making such positions attractive for those seeking short-term contracts or schedule flexibility. Employers, including private practices, large healthcare organizations, and community health centers often have varied pay scales, with specialty clinics generally providing the highest rates. Some technologists accept lower hourly rates for positions that include health insurance and other benefits, while others may prefer higher wages that come without such perks. When negotiating, it's beneficial to understand the local market dynamics and demonstrate the value of specialized skills or certifications, which can influence starting pay in this competitive field.
More salary data for Rapid City, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Rapid City in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Rapid City?
Are ultrasound technologists in Rapid City paid hourly or salary?
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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 Rapid City. 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 Rapid City 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