Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, VA: $42.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Portsmouth, VA runs $42.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,009 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,402 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Portsmouth, Virginia, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $42.79, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This discrepancy can affect individuals seeking part-time or per-diem positions in typical clinical settings, where flexible hours may offer unique earning opportunities. For those working around three days a week, the pay can help form a substantial weekly income, while per-diem workers might find added flexibility appealing despite the modest hourly rate. With hourly earnings ranging from $30.32 for entry-level positions up to $56.39 for top earners, the potential earnings reflect one's experience and location within the healthcare ecosystem in Portsmouth, emphasizing the wide disparity among different experience levels.
About the Portsmouth 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) | $30.32 | $242.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.55 | $284.40 |
| Median (P50) | $42.79 | $342.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.10 | $376.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.39 | $451.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $42.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.79/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, VA can expect to earn approximately $89,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,349. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,711.62 | $7,417 | $89,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,026.97 | $4,450 | $53,402 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $684.65 | $2,967 | $35,602 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Portsmouth) | $42.79 |
| 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 Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $89,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.18% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $91,951.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.79/hr = $53,402/year (purchasing power: $51,747).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,004/year (purchasing power: $86,244).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Portsmouth grew 30.0% from $31.38/hr (2019) to $40.78/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.90/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
An ultrasound technologist working part-time in Portsmouth at about 24 hours a week could expect to earn roughly $53,501 annually, a fraction of what full-time earners might make. For those opting for a per-diem role, it is common to see pay rates that can exceed regular staff rates by about 10-25%, which may appeal to those looking to maximize their income while enjoying the flexibility of shifting schedules. Variations in hourly compensation exist depending on the employer; private practices may offer different rates than larger healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. Technologists often weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that provide more comprehensive health insurance. When it comes to negotiations, emphasizing experience and specialized skills, while considering the prevailing local market conditions, can empower ultrasound technologists to secure competitive rates in Portsmouth.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Portsmouth in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Portsmouth?
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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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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