Ultrasound Tech Pay

Sacramento vs Tustin: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Sacramento, CA
$171,267
$82.34/hr
Tustin, CA
$136,491
$65.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSacramento, CATustin, CA
Median Salary$171,267$136,491
Hourly Rate$82.34$65.62
Entry Level (P10)$107,165$92,299
25th Percentile$135,674$110,399
75th Percentile$190,207$150,179
Top Earner (P90)$197,583$180,268
Total Employed61018
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Sacramento ($171,267) and Tustin ($136,491) ultrasound technologist salaries.SacramentoTustinMedian Salary$171,267$136,491Entry Level (P10)$107,165$92,299Top Earner (P90)$197,583$180,268US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Sacramento and Tustin is $34,776 (25.48%). 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,Tustin spans $87,969. Sacramento has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Sacramento
P10 (Entry)$107,165
P25$135,674
Median$171,267
P75$190,207
P90 (Top)$197,583
Tustin
P10 (Entry)$92,299
P25$110,399
Median$136,491
P75$150,179
P90 (Top)$180,268

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($160,558 effective) pays 33.04% more than Tustin ($120,682 effective).

Sacramento
Nominal: $171,267
CoL Index: 106.67
Adjusted: $160,558
Tustin
Nominal: $136,491
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $120,682

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 Tustin 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 -7.2% growth in Tustin over the same period.

Sacramento, CA

+34.1%

$121,700 (2019) → $163,220 (2025)

Tustin, CA

+-7.2%

$140,102 (2024) → $130,078 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Sacramento or Tustin?

Sacramento has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $171,267/year, compared to Tustin at $136,491/year — a difference of $34,776 (25.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Tustin?

Sacramento ultrasound technologists earn $82.34/hr while Tustin hygienists earn $65.62/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Sacramento and Tustin. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Sacramento = $160,558, Tustin = $120,682), job availability (610 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $107,165 in Sacramento and $92,299 in Tustin. The Sacramento 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