Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Carlsbad, NM: $90,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Carlsbad, NM earns a median $90,716/year (≈ $43.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Carlsbad's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $96,097 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, NM, the median ultrasound technologist salary is projected to reach $90,716 in 2026, reflecting a noteworthy gap compared to the overall state average. Salaries in the region range from $65,995 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $116,246 for those at the upper end (90th percentile). These figures are based on localized estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, illustrating the economic landscape of this city. While this compensation provides a competitive wage for healthcare professionals, it remains below the national median of $101,352, highlighting the unique market dynamics at play in Carlsbad.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,995 | $31.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,535 | $36.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,716 | $43.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,322 | $47.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,246 | $55.89 |
Median Salary Position
10.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carlsbad
In Carlsbad, NM, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,251 (2026 est.). At $90,716, the local median is 10.49% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carlsbad: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carlsbad Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Carlsbad median: $90,716/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carlsbad Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $95,692 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -10.49% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $90,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $95,692.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carlsbad has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carlsbad, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $90,716 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,097 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,521
2025 BLS Actual
$86,454
2026 Current Est.
$90,716
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,521 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,953 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,582 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,813 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,606 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,454 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,188 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carlsbad metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $66,521 (2019) to $86,454 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,188 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,667 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carlsbad 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $65,995 – $76,535 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,535 – $90,716 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,716 – $98,322 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,322 – $116,246 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Carlsbad
Currently, only seven ultrasound technologists are actively employed in Carlsbad, a factor that could limit job competition as the local market matures. The cost of living index for the area stands at 94.4, indicating that day-to-day expenses are relatively lower than the national average, which can enhance take-home purchasing power. Among employers, large healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest salaries, followed closely by specialty clinics and community health centers. Variability in pay can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the structure of employee benefits. For ultrasound technologists seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications and engaging in negotiations during hiring can prove beneficial in this localized job market.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Carlsbad, NM in 2026?
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Carlsbad?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,454 for ultrasound technologistsin the Carlsbad metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carlsbad 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