Ultrasound Tech Pay

Oakland vs Sacramento: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Oakland, CA
$171,999
$82.70/hr
Sacramento, CA
$171,267
$82.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOakland, CASacramento, CA
Median Salary$171,999$171,267
Hourly Rate$82.70$82.34
Entry Level (P10)$115,027$107,165
25th Percentile$138,522$135,674
75th Percentile$196,814$190,207
Top Earner (P90)$243,464$197,583
Total Employed78610
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oakland ($171,999) and Sacramento ($171,267) ultrasound technologist salaries.OaklandSacramentoMedian Salary$171,999$171,267Entry Level (P10)$115,027$107,165Top Earner (P90)$243,464$197,583US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Oakland and Sacramento is $732 (0.43%). Oakland's median is +69.70% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oakland spans $128,437,Sacramento spans $90,418. Oakland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Oakland
P10 (Entry)$115,027
P25$138,522
Median$171,999
P75$196,814
P90 (Top)$243,464
Sacramento
P10 (Entry)$107,165
P25$135,674
Median$171,267
P75$190,207
P90 (Top)$197,583

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($160,558 effective) pays 5.58% more than Oakland ($152,077 effective).

Oakland
Nominal: $171,999
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $152,077
Sacramento
Nominal: $171,267
CoL Index: 106.67
Adjusted: $160,558

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oakland if…

  • Higher median salary ($171,999/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($243,464)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Sacramento if…

  • Larger job market (610 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,558)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Oakland grew 8.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Sacramento over the same period.

Oakland, CA

+8.8%

$150,608 (2024) → $163,918 (2025)

Sacramento, CA

+34.1%

$121,700 (2019) → $163,220 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Oakland or Sacramento?

Oakland has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $171,999/year, compared to Sacramento at $171,267/year — a difference of $732 (0.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oakland and Sacramento?

Oakland ultrasound technologists earn $82.70/hr while Sacramento hygienists earn $82.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oakland to Sacramento as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oakland and Sacramento. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Oakland = $152,077, Sacramento = $160,558), job availability (78 vs 610 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Oakland vs Sacramento?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $115,027 in Oakland and $107,165 in Sacramento. The Oakland 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