Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Charleston, WV: $38.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Charleston, WV runs $38.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,642 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.7, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,785 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, West Virginia, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $38.29 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This wage creates a specific financial landscape for both part-time and per-diem workers in clinical settings. For instance, a part-time ultrasound technologist working three days a week would earn a stable income while enjoying flexibility. The hourly wage in Charleston varies significantly as well, with entry-level professionals earning around $32.71, while those among the top earners can command up to $49.09 per hour. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected into 2026, illuminating a clear picture of what ultrasound technologists can expect in this region.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.71 | $261.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.11 | $264.84 |
| Median (P50) | $38.29 | $306.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.08 | $328.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.09 | $392.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $38.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.29/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $79,641 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,947. With a cost-of-living index of 88.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,531.56 | $6,637 | $79,641 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $918.93 | $3,982 | $47,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $612.62 | $2,655 | $31,856 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Charleston) | $38.29 |
| 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 Charleston, WV earn a median of $79,642 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.42% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 9.20% below the West Virginia state average of $87,711.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.29/hr = $47,785/year (purchasing power: $53,862).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,641/year (purchasing power: $89,770).
CoL index: 88.717 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Charleston grew 24.3% from $29.35/hr (2019) to $36.49/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.18/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
When considering part-time work in Charleston, a technologist on a typical 24-hour workweek can expect to take home around $49,547 annually, which is significantly less than their full-time counterparts earning greater yearly salaries. For those opting for per diem positions, it's worth noting that agency rates often run 10-25% higher than standard staff pay, potentially boosting income further. Hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the type of employer, such as private practices and large healthcare organizations, creating a choice for many professionals. Some ultrasound technologists opt for positions with lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits for increased flexibility. Negotiating hourly pay in Charleston requires a clear understanding of these dynamics—while researching industry standards, professionals should emphasize their experience and specific skill sets to achieve a favorable arrangement.
More salary data for Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Charleston 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 Charleston. 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