Mission Viejo vs Riverside: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Mission Viejo, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mission Viejo, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,898▲ | $111,079 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.29▲ | $53.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,110▲ | $64,322 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,258▲ | $102,076 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,430▲ | $135,748 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,964▲ | $158,046 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 960▲ |
Verdict
Mission Viejo, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Mission Viejo and Riverside is $26,819 (24.14%). Mission Viejo's median is +36.06% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mission Viejo spans $83,854,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, Mission Viejo ($121,926 effective) pays 16.84% 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 Mission Viejo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,898/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,964)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,926)
- ✓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 Mission Viejo grew -7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Mission Viejo, CA
$141,546 (2024) → $131,419 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$85,950 (2019) → $105,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mission Viejo, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Mission Viejo or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mission Viejo and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Mission Viejo to Riverside as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Mission Viejo vs Riverside?
Related Comparisons
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