Fairfield vs Riverside: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Fairfield, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfield, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,872▲ | $111,079 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.72▲ | $53.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,416▲ | $64,322 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,788▲ | $102,076 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,544▲ | $135,748 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $187,545▲ | $158,046 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 960▲ |
Verdict
Fairfield, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Fairfield and Riverside is $29,793 (26.82%). Fairfield's median is +38.99% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfield spans $91,129,Riverside spans $93,724. Riverside has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fairfield ($124,555 effective) pays 19.36% more than Riverside ($104,356 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,872/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,545)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,555)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (960 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Fairfield grew -7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Fairfield, CA
$144,598 (2024) → $134,253 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$85,950 (2019) → $105,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfield, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Fairfield or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfield and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Fairfield to Riverside as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Fairfield vs Riverside?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov