Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $42.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Sterling, VA runs $42.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,957 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For ultrasound technologists in Sterling, Virginia, the median hourly pay is projected to be $42.43 in 2026, a figure that lags behind the national hourly median of $48.73. This pay structure reflects the competitive job market in healthcare settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, where both part-time and per-diem opportunities are prevalent. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly rate translates to a substantial income, particularly for positions that often offer flexible scheduling. The range between entry-level and experienced professionals can vary significantly, with entry-level ultrasound technologists starting at around $31.69 per hour, while top earners may reach up to $55.34 per hour, providing diverse opportunities for career advancement.
About the Sterling 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) | $31.69 | $253.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.46 | $283.65 |
| Median (P50) | $42.43 | $339.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.58 | $372.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.34 | $442.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $42.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.43/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $88,262 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,920. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,697.35 | $7,355 | $88,262 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.41 | $4,413 | $52,957 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.94 | $2,942 | $35,305 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Sterling) | $42.43 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $88,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.92% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $92,033.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.43/hr = $52,957/year (purchasing power: $51,315).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,262/year (purchasing power: $85,525).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Sterling grew 30.0% from $31.12/hr (2019) to $40.44/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.53/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
When considering part-time earnings, a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours results in annual earnings significantly lower than full-time positions. For example, while a full-time ultrasound technologist may secure a lucrative income, part-time professionals earn proportional amounts based on their hours worked. Per diem roles in Sterling often command a premium of 10-25% over standard rates, making this option attractive for those seeking flexible schedules without sacrificing too much in pay. However, ultrasound technologists must weigh the benefits of full-time employment, such as health insurance and retirement plans, against the higher hourly wages often associated with agency work. Employers ranging from private practices to large healthcare organizations may offer different benefits packages, with those in specialty clinics typically having more flexibility. To negotiate effectively within this pay structure, it is advisable for ultrasound technologists to assess their employer type and be prepared to discuss the value of their experience and credentials.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Sterling in 2026?
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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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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