Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Houston, TX: $47.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Houston, TX runs $47.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,788 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Houston's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.6, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,872 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houston, Texas, the projected ultrasound technologist hourly pay in 2026 is set at $47.97, slightly below the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate indicates a solid earning potential for both full-time and part-time professionals in clinical settings. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the role becomes more adaptable, allowing for better work-life balance while still yielding substantial income. Additionally, the hourly range for ultrasound technologists spans from $35.99 for entry-level practitioners at the 10th percentile, to $53.72 for top earners in the 90th percentile. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlights the varied earning potential within this healthcare profession in Houston.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.99 | $287.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.43 | $331.41 |
| Median (P50) | $47.97 | $383.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.75 | $406.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.72 | $429.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houston
Based on $47.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.97/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houston, TX can expect to earn approximately $99,786 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,569. With a cost-of-living index of 98.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,918.96 | $8,315 | $99,786 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,151.38 | $4,989 | $59,872 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.58 | $3,326 | $39,914 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Houston) | $47.97 |
| 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 Houston, TX earn a median of $99,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.54% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 15.10% above the Texas state average of $86,697.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.97/hr = $59,872/year (purchasing power: $60,704).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,786/year (purchasing power: $101,173).
CoL index: 98.629 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Houston grew 31.3% from $34.83/hr (2019) to $45.72/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.34/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 Houston 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 Houston
For part-time ultrasound technologists, working 24 hours a week can still result in a competitive annual income, although it might fall short of what full-time employees see annually. The per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Houston often runs at a premium compared to regular staff roles, with rates typically averaging 10-25% higher than standard W-2 wages due to the nature of contract work. Compensation can also differ based on the type of employer, with private practices and large healthcare organizations often offering different pay structures compared to community health centers and specialty clinics. While some professionals decide to accept lower hourly rates for the benefits that come with full-time positions, others may prioritize the flexibility and higher pay of per diem work. Negotiating for better hourly rates is vital in this field; knowing market averages and being prepared to discuss your qualifications can empower you to secure a more favorable compensation package in Houston's competitive healthcare market.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
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 Houston. 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