Ultrasound Tech Pay

Lancaster vs Riverside: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Lancaster, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lancaster, CA
$139,414
$67.03/hr
Riverside, CA
$111,079
$53.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLancaster, CARiverside, CA
Median Salary$139,414$111,079
Hourly Rate$67.03$53.41
Entry Level (P10)$93,249$64,322
25th Percentile$111,851$102,076
75th Percentile$152,043$135,748
Top Earner (P90)$197,186$158,046
Total Employed40960
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lancaster ($139,414) and Riverside ($111,079) ultrasound technologist salaries.LancasterRiversideMedian Salary$139,414$111,079Entry Level (P10)$93,249$64,322Top Earner (P90)$197,186$158,046US Median $101,352

Verdict

Lancaster, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.

The salary gap between Lancaster and Riverside is $28,335 (25.51%). Lancaster's median is +37.55% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $103,937,Riverside spans $93,724. Lancaster has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lancaster
P10 (Entry)$93,249
P25$111,851
Median$139,414
P75$152,043
P90 (Top)$197,186
Riverside
P10 (Entry)$64,322
P25$102,076
Median$111,079
P75$135,748
P90 (Top)$158,046

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lancaster ($123,266 effective) pays 18.12% more than Riverside ($104,356 effective).

Lancaster
Nominal: $139,414
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $123,266
Riverside
Nominal: $111,079
CoL Index: 106.442
Adjusted: $104,356

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lancaster if…

  • Higher median salary ($139,414/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($197,186)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,266)
  • 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 Lancaster grew -7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.

Lancaster, CA

+-7.2%

$143,103 (2024) → $132,864 (2025)

Riverside, CA

+23.2%

$85,950 (2019) → $105,860 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Lancaster or Riverside?

Lancaster has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $139,414/year, compared to Riverside at $111,079/year — a difference of $28,335 (25.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Riverside?

Lancaster ultrasound technologists earn $67.03/hr while Riverside hygienists earn $53.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lancaster to Riverside as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lancaster and Riverside. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lancaster = $123,266, Riverside = $104,356), job availability (40 vs 960 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Lancaster vs Riverside?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $93,249 in Lancaster and $64,322 in Riverside. The Lancaster 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