Ultrasound Tech Pay

San Francisco vs Torrance: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Torrance, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

San Francisco, CA
$168,171
$80.85/hr
Torrance, CA
$138,972
$66.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSan Francisco, CATorrance, CA
Median Salary$168,171$138,972
Hourly Rate$80.85$66.81
Entry Level (P10)$99,264$91,697
25th Percentile$129,463$110,969
75th Percentile$190,123$159,443
Top Earner (P90)$214,204$195,654
Total Employed1,30026
Side-by-side bar chart comparing San Francisco ($168,171) and Torrance ($138,972) ultrasound technologist salaries.San FranciscoTorranceMedian Salary$168,171$138,972Entry Level (P10)$99,264$91,697Top Earner (P90)$214,204$195,654US Median $101,352

Verdict

San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Torrance.

The salary gap between San Francisco and Torrance is $29,199 (21.01%). San Francisco's median is +65.93% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $114,940,Torrance spans $103,957. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$99,264
P25$129,463
Median$168,171
P75$190,123
P90 (Top)$214,204
Torrance
P10 (Entry)$91,697
P25$110,969
Median$138,972
P75$159,443
P90 (Top)$195,654

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($145,460 effective) pays 18.38% more than Torrance ($122,875 effective).

San Francisco
Nominal: $168,171
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $145,460
Torrance
Nominal: $138,972
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $122,875

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose San Francisco if…

  • Higher median salary ($168,171/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($214,204)
  • Larger job market (1,300 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,460)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Torrance if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in San Francisco grew 39.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.2% growth in Torrance over the same period.

San Francisco, CA

+39.6%

$114,790 (2019) → $160,270 (2025)

Torrance, CA

+-7.2%

$142,649 (2024) → $132,443 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: San Francisco or Torrance?

San Francisco has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $168,171/year, compared to Torrance at $138,972/year — a difference of $29,199 (21.01%).

What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Torrance?

San Francisco ultrasound technologists earn $80.85/hr while Torrance hygienists earn $66.81/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from San Francisco to Torrance as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing San Francisco and Torrance. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: San Francisco = $145,460, Torrance = $122,875), job availability (1,300 vs 26 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in San Francisco vs Torrance?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $99,264 in San Francisco and $91,697 in Torrance. The San Francisco 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