Ultrasound Tech Pay

Richmond vs Riverside: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Richmond, CA
$139,216
$66.93/hr
Riverside, CA
$111,079
$53.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichmond, CARiverside, CA
Median Salary$139,216$111,079
Hourly Rate$66.93$53.41
Entry Level (P10)$92,243$64,322
25th Percentile$111,455$102,076
75th Percentile$154,661$135,748
Top Earner (P90)$187,476$158,046
Total Employed25960
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richmond ($139,216) and Riverside ($111,079) ultrasound technologist salaries.RichmondRiversideMedian Salary$139,216$111,079Entry Level (P10)$92,243$64,322Top Earner (P90)$187,476$158,046US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Richmond and Riverside is $28,137 (25.33%). Richmond's median is +37.36% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $95,233,Riverside spans $93,724. Richmond has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Richmond
P10 (Entry)$92,243
P25$111,455
Median$139,216
P75$154,661
P90 (Top)$187,476
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, Richmond ($123,091 effective) pays 17.95% more than Riverside ($104,356 effective).

Richmond
Nominal: $139,216
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $123,091
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 Richmond if…

  • Higher median salary ($139,216/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($187,476)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,091)
  • 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 Richmond grew -7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.

Richmond, CA

+-7.2%

$142,899 (2024) → $132,675 (2025)

Riverside, CA

+23.2%

$85,950 (2019) → $105,860 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Richmond or Riverside?

Richmond has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $139,216/year, compared to Riverside at $111,079/year — a difference of $28,137 (25.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Riverside?

Richmond ultrasound technologists earn $66.93/hr while Riverside hygienists earn $53.41/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richmond and Riverside. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richmond = $123,091, Riverside = $104,356), job availability (25 vs 960 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $92,243 in Richmond and $64,322 in Riverside. The Richmond 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