Ultrasound Tech Pay

Los Angeles vs Stockton: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Los Angeles, CA
$125,318
$60.25/hr
Stockton, CA
$136,629
$65.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLos Angeles, CAStockton, CA
Median Salary$125,318$136,629
Hourly Rate$60.25$65.69
Entry Level (P10)$59,999$87,165
25th Percentile$90,219$106,976
75th Percentile$149,861$174,257
Top Earner (P90)$176,660$187,541
Total Employed3,550140
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Los Angeles ($125,318) and Stockton ($136,629) ultrasound technologist salaries.Los AngelesStocktonMedian Salary$125,318$136,629Entry Level (P10)$59,999$87,165Top Earner (P90)$176,660$187,541US Median $101,352

Verdict

Stockton, 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 Stockton is $11,311 (9.03%). Stockton's median is +34.81% 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,Stockton spans $100,376. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$59,999
P25$90,219
Median$125,318
P75$149,861
P90 (Top)$176,660
Stockton
P10 (Entry)$87,165
P25$106,976
Median$136,629
P75$174,257
P90 (Top)$187,541

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Stockton ($130,013 effective) pays 17.82% more than Los Angeles ($110,348 effective).

Los Angeles
Nominal: $125,318
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $110,348
Stockton
Nominal: $136,629
CoL Index: 105.089
Adjusted: $130,013

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 Stockton if…

  • Higher median salary ($136,629/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($187,541)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,013)
  • 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 25.5% growth in Stockton over the same period.

Los Angeles, CA

+25.3%

$95,340 (2019) → $119,430 (2025)

Stockton, CA

+25.5%

$103,790 (2019) → $130,210 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Los Angeles or Stockton?

Stockton has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $136,629/year, compared to Los Angeles at $125,318/year — a difference of $11,311 (9.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Stockton?

Los Angeles ultrasound technologists earn $60.25/hr while Stockton hygienists earn $65.69/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Los Angeles and Stockton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Los Angeles = $110,348, Stockton = $130,013), job availability (3,550 vs 140 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $59,999 in Los Angeles and $87,165 in Stockton. The Stockton 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