Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Riverside, CA: $53.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Riverside, CA runs $53.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,079 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Riverside's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.4, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,655 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Riverside, California, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $53.41 in 2026, surpassing the national average of $48.73. This higher local rate reflects the region's demand for skilled healthcare professionals. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, working three days a week could yield approximately $1,024 weekly, offering competitive compensation in clinical settings. The hourly pay range for ultrasound technologists in Riverside spans from $30.92 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to about $75.99 for the top earners (90th percentile), demonstrating the overall diversity in earning potential based on experience, credentials, and work environments.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.92 | $247.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.08 | $392.61 |
| Median (P50) | $53.41 | $427.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.27 | $522.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.99 | $607.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Riverside
Based on $53.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.41/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Riverside, CA can expect to earn approximately $111,091 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,091. With a cost-of-living index of 106.44 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Riverside.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Riverside
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,136.37 | $9,258 | $111,091 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,281.82 | $5,555 | $66,655 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $854.55 | $3,703 | $44,437 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Riverside) | $53.41 |
| 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 Riverside, CA earn a median of $111,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.60% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 18.70% below the California state average of $136,628.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.41/hr = $66,655/year (purchasing power: $62,621).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,091/year (purchasing power: $104,368).
CoL index: 106.442 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Riverside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Riverside grew 23.2% from $41.32/hr (2019) to $50.90/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.04/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 Riverside 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 Riverside
When analyzing part-time earnings, an ultrasound technologist working 24 hours weekly could take home around $53,000 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time counterparts. Per diem positions often provide a financial edge, as these may command rates that are 10-25% higher than standard wages, making them a popular option for those who prefer flexibility. Additionally, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer, such as private practices versus larger healthcare organizations or community health centers. Many choose to accept lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, opting for stability over higher hourly rates without additional support. As you weigh your options, it’s crucial to negotiate effectively; understanding local market rates can empower ultrasound technologists in Riverside to secure a compensation package that meets their needs while navigating this dynamic profession.
More salary data for Riverside, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Riverside in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Riverside?
Are ultrasound technologists in Riverside paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Riverside?
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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 Riverside. 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