Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $57.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Boulder, CO runs $57.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,271 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,168 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay stands at $57.83, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.73. This competitive rate indicates a robust employment market, providing ample opportunities for both full-time and part-time professionals. For those opting for part-time work, like a 3-day workweek, this rate translates into a commendable income. Additionally, per-diem ultrasound technologists can capitalize on demand, often securing higher rates for flexible shifts within various clinical settings. The hourly range spans from $50.44 at the entry-level all the way to $68.94 for top earners, highlighting a diverse compensation space in the field, backed by official BLS projections for 2026.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.44 | $403.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.44 | $403.52 |
| Median (P50) | $57.83 | $462.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.93 | $519.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.94 | $551.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $57.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.83/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $120,280 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,392. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,313.08 | $10,023 | $120,280 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,387.85 | $6,014 | $72,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $925.23 | $4,009 | $48,112 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Boulder) | $57.83 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $120,271 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.67% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 7.00% above the Colorado state average of $112,403.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.83/hr = $72,168/year (purchasing power: $68,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,280/year (purchasing power: $114,332).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Boulder grew 27.7% from $43.16/hr (2019) to $55.11/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.68/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
The earning potential for part-time ultrasound technologists working 24 hours a week is quite substantial, yielding around $72,020 annually compared to a full-time income. Moreover, those in per-diem or agency roles can typically earn between 10-25% more than their full-time counterparts, making this an attractive option for many. In Boulder, hourly rates can also vary depending on the type of employer, with private practices often offering different compensation structures than large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. Deciding between a higher hourly rate without benefits or a lower rate with health insurance and retirement options poses a common dilemma for technologists. For those looking to negotiate their pay, it’s essential to stay informed about local market trends and be ready to advocate for equitable compensation relative to the increased cost of living in Boulder.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Boulder 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 Boulder. 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