Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $40.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Waco, TX runs $40.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,038 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,430 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Waco, Texas, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $40.41, which is noticeably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.73. This wage reflects the economic landscape of the region and offers insights for those considering positions in clinical settings. For part-time workers who may only clock in three days a week, this rate provides a manageable income, allowing them to balance work and personal commitments effectively. Entry-level ultrasound technologists can expect to earn approximately $33.23 per hour, while top earners in Waco may see rates as high as $53.81. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a clear understanding of the expected compensation landscape for professionals in this field.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.23 | $265.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.21 | $313.70 |
| Median (P50) | $40.41 | $323.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.01 | $392.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.81 | $430.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $40.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.41/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $84,050 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,490. With a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,616.34 | $7,004 | $84,050 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $969.81 | $4,202 | $50,430 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $646.54 | $2,802 | $33,620 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Waco) | $40.41 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $84,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.08% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $86,638.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.41/hr = $50,430/year (purchasing power: $54,489).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,050/year (purchasing power: $90,816).
CoL index: 92.55 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Waco grew 8.4% from $35.51/hr (2019) to $38.51/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.40/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 Waco 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 Waco
For those contemplating a career as an ultrasound technologist in Waco, understanding part-time and per-diem opportunities is crucial. Working as a part-time technologist, typically three days a week totaling 24 hours, results in a significantly different annual income compared to full-time positions. Especially for per diem ultrasound technologists, pay rates may rise by 10-25% over standard staff wages, offering a more lucrative alternative at the expense of job security and benefits. Hourly compensation also varies by employer type; private practices may pay less than large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. Many healthcare professionals face the dilemma of opting for lower hourly rates with comprehensive health benefits versus higher pay without them. When negotiating pay, it's advantageous to research local rates and consider one's financial needs and career goals, ensuring a fair compensation strategy that aligns with both professional aspirations and personal finances in Waco.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. 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