Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $54.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Thornton, CO runs $54.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly pay of $54.91, which exceeds the national median hourly rate of $48.73. This higher compensation reflects the cost of living in the area, which has a cost of living index of 105, slightly above the national average. For part-time workers, such as those scheduling three days a week, this translates to a substantial potential income that can support a balanced lifestyle while allowing flexibility. For per-diem professionals, the hourly rates can vary significantly, often falling between the entry-level wage of $36.33 and the high-end earnings at $77.01. Such pay structures are crucial for those looking to enter the workforce or transition to a more flexible schedule, with estimates drawn from annual salary data underpinning these hourly figures.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.33 | $290.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.76 | $350.05 |
| Median (P50) | $54.91 | $439.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.99 | $503.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.01 | $616.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $54.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.91/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $114,213 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,892. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,196.39 | $9,518 | $114,213 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,317.84 | $5,711 | $68,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $878.56 | $3,807 | $45,685 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Thornton) | $54.91 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $114,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.69% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $112,420.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.91/hr = $68,528/year (purchasing power: $65,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,213/year (purchasing power: $108,774).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Thornton grew 30.0% from $40.26/hr (2019) to $52.33/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.62/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
Part-time ultrasound technologists in Thornton, working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, could expect to earn around $68,362 annually, which offers a comfortable lifestyle while avoiding the full-time commitment. For those seeking per diem or agency roles, the pay usually reflects a premium of 10-25% over typical staff rates due to the flexible nature of the work, which can be particularly appealing in a dynamic healthcare environment. With varying employer types, including private practices and community health centers, the hourly wage can differ; professionals often find trade-offs in choosing roles with benefits versus higher hourly pay without medical coverage. When negotiating, it’s important for ultrasound technologists to recognize their value and the demand for their skills in Thornton's healthcare market, ensuring they secure competitive compensation that reflects both their expertise and the local job conditions.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Thornton in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Thornton?
Are ultrasound technologists in Thornton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Thornton?
Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Thornton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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