Sacramento vs Santa Cruz: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $171,267▲ | $149,158 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.34▲ | $71.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,165▲ | $91,488 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,674▲ | $116,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,207▲ | $183,963 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,583▲ | $183,963 |
| Total Employed | 610▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Santa Cruz is $22,109 (14.82%). Sacramento's median is +68.98% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $90,418,Santa Cruz spans $92,475. Santa Cruz 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, Sacramento ($160,558 effective) pays 18.30% more than Santa Cruz ($135,727 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($171,267/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,583)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,558)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Sacramento grew 34.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.9% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$121,700 (2019) → $163,220 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$105,340 (2019) → $142,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Sacramento or Santa Cruz?
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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