Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $53.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Washington, DC runs $53.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,481 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,288 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Washington, DC, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay stands at a competitive $53.12, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $48.73. This favorable rate provides a solid foundation for various work arrangements, making it appealing for both part-time professionals working three days a week and per-diem workers seeking flexible assignments in clinical settings. The hourly range spans from $44.30 for entry-level positions to $66.34 for top earners, reflecting a robust compensation structure across the profession. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating strong demand and opportunities within the Washington job market.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.30 | $354.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.91 | $391.26 |
| Median (P50) | $53.12 | $424.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.80 | $478.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.34 | $530.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $53.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.12/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $110,480 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,739. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,124.62 | $9,207 | $110,480 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,274.77 | $5,524 | $66,288 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $849.85 | $3,683 | $44,192 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Washington) | $53.12 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $110,481 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.01% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 6.80% below the District of Columbia state average of $118,542.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.12/hr = $66,288/year (purchasing power: $60,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,480/year (purchasing power: $101,466).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Washington grew 19.3% from $42.42/hr (2019) to $50.62/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.73/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 Washington 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 Washington
When considering the financial realities of part-time work, an ultrasound technologist employed three days a week, clocking 24 hours, could expect an annual take-home of around $62,782, distinctly lower than a full-time equivalent, yet still appealing in terms of work-life balance. Additionally, per diem ultrasound technologists can often command rates that are 10-25% higher than staff positions. Factors influencing hourly rates vary widely across different employer types in Washington, from private practices to large healthcare organizations, with community health centers and specialty clinics each offering unique compensation packages. While some professionals might prefer the security of salaried staff roles complete with benefits, others find the trade-offs worth it for the higher hourly pay without benefits. For those negotiating, understanding local pay trends and employer types can provide valuable leverage in discussions about compensation tailored to their preferences and career goals.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
Career Resources
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 Washington. 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