Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $42.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Salem, VA runs $42.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,188 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,507 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Virginia, ultrasound technologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $42.87, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $48.73. This discrepancy suggests that part-time workers, averaging three days a week, would bring in around $62,000 annually, depending on their schedules and client demand. For those seeking flexibility through per-diem positions, typical rates may be at a premium, reflecting competitive pay within clinical settings. The hourly range for ultrasound technologists in Salem varies widely, from approximately $29.36 for entry-level positions to $54.04 for experienced professionals, confirming that experience and skill level play significant roles in determining compensation.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.36 | $234.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.33 | $298.67 |
| Median (P50) | $42.87 | $343.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.01 | $368.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.04 | $432.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $42.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.87/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $89,179 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,449. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,714.98 | $7,432 | $89,179 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,028.99 | $4,459 | $53,507 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $685.99 | $2,973 | $35,671 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Salem) | $42.87 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $89,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.00% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $91,947.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.87/hr = $53,507/year (purchasing power: $51,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,179/year (purchasing power: $86,414).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Salem grew 30.0% from $31.44/hr (2019) to $40.86/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.99/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 Salem 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 Salem
For ultrasound technologists considering part-time work in Salem, focusing on the actual take-home pay is essential. A part-time salary translates to a steady income without the commitment of a full-time role, while per-diem or agency jobs could offer an advantageous pay structure that might provide higher rates, often exceeding regular hourly compensation by 10-25%. The employer type also influences earnings, with private practices and specialty clinics sometimes offering lower hourly rates compared to larger healthcare organizations, which may provide additional benefits like health insurance. This benefit trade-off is a common consideration; some technologists may choose positions with lower hourly pay for job security and health coverage, while others may prefer higher rates, prioritizing financial gain over benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Salem, focus on your skill set, certifications, and the unique demands of the employer to advocate effectively for a competitive wage.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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