Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $39.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Chattanooga, TN runs $39.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,548 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,526 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, TN, ultrasound technologists receive a median hourly pay of $39.68, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.73 per hour. For those contemplating part-time work, such as a typical three-day, 24-hour schedule, these professionals can still earn a respectable income, with the opportunity for supplemental pay through per-diem positions in clinical settings. The hourly range in this region is reflective of varying experience levels, with entry-level positions starting around $32.10 and experienced technicians potentially earning as much as $50.13. This hourly data is sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and provides a clear snapshot of the potential earnings in the field.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.10 | $256.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.84 | $270.72 |
| Median (P50) | $39.68 | $317.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.15 | $329.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.13 | $401.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $39.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.68/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $82,544 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,621. With a cost-of-living index of 91.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,587.38 | $6,879 | $82,544 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $952.43 | $4,127 | $49,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.95 | $2,751 | $33,018 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Chattanooga) | $39.68 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $82,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.90% below the Tennessee state average of $83,298.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.68/hr = $49,526/year (purchasing power: $54,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,544/year (purchasing power: $90,247).
CoL index: 91.464 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Chattanooga grew 17.7% from $32.14/hr (2019) to $37.82/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.64/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Looking at the earning potential of part-time ultrasound technologists, those working three days a week might gross about $62,025 annually compared to their full-time counterparts. The per-diem ultrasound technologist pay in Chattanooga can be enticing, as rates might exceed the standard pay by 10-25%, providing a financial incentive for flexibility over multi-shift positions. Additionally, compensation varies across employer types; those employed by large healthcare organizations or community health centers might see different rates than those in private practices or specialty clinics. For many, the decision to accept a lower hourly wage can be influenced by benefits like health insurance, which can be crucial for healthcare workers. Negotiating effectively is important, and understanding local wage standards can empower ultrasound technologists to secure better compensation.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Chattanooga in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Chattanooga?
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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 Chattanooga. 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