Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,318 | $168,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.25 | $80.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,999 | $99,264▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,219 | $129,463▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,861 | $190,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,660 | $214,204▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,550▲ | 1,300 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $42,853 (34.20%). San Francisco's median is +65.93% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $116,661,San Francisco spans $114,940. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($145,460 effective) pays 31.82% more than Los Angeles ($110,348 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,204)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,460)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Los Angeles grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$95,340 (2019) → $119,430 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$114,790 (2019) → $160,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Los Angeles or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
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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