Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $44.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Norfolk, VA runs $44.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,258 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,354 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, ultrasound technologists can expect a median hourly rate of $44.35, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $48.73. For those working part-time, typically on a three-day-per-week schedule, this hourly pay translates to a substantial income while allowing for flexibility in personal and family commitments. Per-diem ultrasound technologists may find additional opportunities to earn at a premium, leveraging their skills in various clinical settings at rates that often exceed those of permanent staff. In Norfolk, hourly wages begin at approximately $28.96 for entry-level positions and can top out at around $62.06 for experienced professionals, illustrating a diverse pay scale reflective of experience and specialization.
About the Norfolk 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) | $28.96 | $231.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.32 | $282.56 |
| Median (P50) | $44.35 | $354.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.32 | $402.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.06 | $496.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $44.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.35/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $92,256 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,225. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,774.16 | $7,688 | $92,256 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,064.49 | $4,613 | $55,354 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $709.66 | $3,075 | $36,902 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Norfolk) | $44.35 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $92,258 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.97% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.30% above the Virginia state average of $91,982.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.35/hr = $55,354/year (purchasing power: $53,637).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,256/year (purchasing power: $89,395).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Norfolk grew 30.0% from $32.52/hr (2019) to $42.27/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.54/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Focusing on earning potential, a part-time ultrasound technologist in Norfolk working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $55,000 annually, representing a significant difference compared to full-time colleagues. For those seeking more flexibility, per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Norfolk can reflect a 10-25% premium over the standard staffing hourly rates, making this option appealing for many technicians. The range of employers in the area, including private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics, contributes to varying hourly rates. While some ultrasound technologists may opt for positions with lower pay that offer health benefits, others are willing to negotiate higher hourly rates without the security of full-time benefits. For successful negotiations, it’s advisable to stay informed about prevailing rates across different employers and be prepared to discuss the value one brings to their specific practice.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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