Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Harlingen, TX: $38.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Harlingen, TX runs $38.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,525 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Harlingen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harlingen, Texas, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $38.72, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This can impact part-time workers who typically schedule about three days a week, leading to an annual income that may not match their full-time counterparts. For those seeking per-diem roles, it's essential to note that the average hourly range spans from $26.88 at the entry level to $50.40 for the highest earners in the field. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates and provide a snapshot for professionals considering opportunities within clinical settings, such as hospitals and outpatient care facilities in Harlingen, where job demand is steady.
About the Harlingen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.88 | $215.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.19 | $265.51 |
| Median (P50) | $38.72 | $309.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.15 | $337.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.40 | $403.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harlingen
Based on $38.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.72/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harlingen, TX can expect to earn approximately $80,536 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,463. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harlingen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harlingen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,548.77 | $6,711 | $80,536 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $929.26 | $4,027 | $48,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.51 | $2,685 | $32,214 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Harlingen) | $38.72 |
| 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 Harlingen, TX earn a median of $80,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.55% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 7.10% below the Texas state average of $86,680.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.72/hr = $48,322/year (purchasing power: $50,335).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,536/year (purchasing power: $83,892).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Harlingen grew 30.0% from $28.39/hr (2019) to $36.90/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.63/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 Harlingen 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 Harlingen
Analyzing the earnings potential for ultrasound technologists shows that those working part-time can expect to take home around $45,000 annually, significantly less than full-time employees. Per diem ultrasound technologists in Harlingen may find their pay can exceed regular staff rates by 10-25%, making it a more attractive choice for those who prefer flexibility. Hourly wages differ across employer types; for instance, private practices may offer lower rates compared to larger healthcare organizations, which often provide better benefits like health insurance. This trade-off prompts many technologists to choose stability over higher pay, weighing the security of a salaried position against the freedom of per diem work. For those involved in negotiations, understanding the local job market and benefits packages can be key in determining the most advantageous hourly pay arrangement.
More salary data for Harlingen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Harlingen. 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 Harlingen 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