Ultrasound Tech Pay

Lake Elsinore vs Los Angeles: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Lake Elsinore, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lake Elsinore, CA
$136,210
$65.49/hr
Los Angeles, CA
$125,318
$60.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLake Elsinore, CALos Angeles, CA
Median Salary$136,210$125,318
Hourly Rate$65.49$60.25
Entry Level (P10)$92,212$59,999
25th Percentile$109,831$90,219
75th Percentile$146,757$149,861
Top Earner (P90)$187,634$176,660
Total Employed183,550
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lake Elsinore ($136,210) and Los Angeles ($125,318) ultrasound technologist salaries.Lake ElsinoreLos AngelesMedian Salary$136,210$125,318Entry Level (P10)$92,212$59,999Top Earner (P90)$187,634$176,660US Median $101,352

Verdict

Lake Elsinore, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.

The salary gap between Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles is $10,892 (8.69%). Lake Elsinore's median is +34.39% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Elsinore spans $95,422,Los Angeles spans $116,661. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Lake Elsinore
P10 (Entry)$92,212
P25$109,831
Median$136,210
P75$146,757
P90 (Top)$187,634
Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$59,999
P25$90,219
Median$125,318
P75$149,861
P90 (Top)$176,660

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Elsinore ($120,433 effective) pays 9.14% more than Los Angeles ($110,348 effective).

Lake Elsinore
Nominal: $136,210
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $120,433
Los Angeles
Nominal: $125,318
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $110,348

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lake Elsinore if…

  • Higher median salary ($136,210/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($187,634)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,433)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Larger job market (3,550 employed)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Lake Elsinore grew -7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.

Lake Elsinore, CA

+-7.2%

$139,813 (2024) → $129,810 (2025)

Los Angeles, CA

+25.3%

$95,340 (2019) → $119,430 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Lake Elsinore or Los Angeles?

Lake Elsinore has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $136,210/year, compared to Los Angeles at $125,318/year — a difference of $10,892 (8.69%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles?

Lake Elsinore ultrasound technologists earn $65.49/hr while Los Angeles hygienists earn $60.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lake Elsinore to Los Angeles as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lake Elsinore = $120,433, Los Angeles = $110,348), job availability (18 vs 3,550 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Lake Elsinore vs Los Angeles?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $92,212 in Lake Elsinore and $59,999 in Los Angeles. The Lake Elsinore area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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