Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Chesapeake, VA: $43.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Chesapeake, VA runs $43.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,253 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Chesapeake's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,751 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, the median hourly pay for ultrasound technologists is projected to be $43.87 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate provides a solid income for those working in clinical settings, whether they are pursuing part-time options, such as a three-day workweek, or considering per-diem opportunities. For ultrasound technologists at the beginning of their careers, entry-level positions can expect hourly wages starting at around $28.08, while those with more experience and advanced skills in the field can earn up to $63.17. It's essential to remember that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, translating to different financial outcomes depending on the number of hours worked.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.08 | $224.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.94 | $295.48 |
| Median (P50) | $43.87 | $350.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.96 | $407.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.17 | $505.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesapeake
Based on $43.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.87/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesapeake, VA can expect to earn approximately $91,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,645. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chesapeake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesapeake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,754.85 | $7,604 | $91,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,052.91 | $4,563 | $54,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $701.94 | $3,042 | $36,501 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Chesapeake) | $43.87 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $91,253 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.96% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $91,989.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.87/hr = $54,751/year (purchasing power: $53,054).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,252/year (purchasing power: $88,423).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Chesapeake grew 30.0% from $32.17/hr (2019) to $41.81/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.03/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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
Beyond the immediate hourly figures, part-time ultrasound technologists who average 24 hours a week can see a different financial outlook compared to their full-time counterparts. Annually, this results in earnings that vary significantly, especially for those opting for per-diem or agency work, which often comes with a pay premium of 10-25% over standard staff rates. In Chesapeake, hourly compensation can also depend on the type of employer, with private practices and specialty clinics typically offering different pay scales compared to larger healthcare organizations or community health centers. Weighing the benefits of full-time roles against higher hourly rates in per-diem positions is crucial, especially since full-time jobs might come with valuable health insurance and other perks. For those in negotiations, it’s wise to emphasize skill sets and certifications to secure better pay while considering the overall compensation package, which may include benefits versus hourly pay alone.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Chesapeake in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Chesapeake?
Are ultrasound technologists in Chesapeake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Chesapeake?
Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Chesapeake?
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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 Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake 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