Riverside vs Sunnyvale: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Riverside, CA and Sunnyvale, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,079 | $185,953▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.41 | $89.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,322 | $128,227▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,076 | $152,105▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,748 | $209,882▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,046 | $255,968▲ |
| Total Employed | 960▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Sunnyvale, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Sunnyvale is $74,874 (67.41%). Sunnyvale's median is +83.47% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $93,724,Sunnyvale spans $127,741. Sunnyvale 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, Sunnyvale ($164,415 effective) pays 57.55% 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 Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (960 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sunnyvale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($185,953/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($255,968)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,415)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Riverside grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Sunnyvale over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$85,950 (2019) → $105,860 (2025)
Sunnyvale, CA
$144,972 (2024) → $177,216 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Riverside or Sunnyvale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Sunnyvale?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Sunnyvale as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Riverside vs Sunnyvale?
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