Ultrasound Tech Pay

San Francisco vs Tulare: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

San Francisco, CA
$168,171
$80.85/hr
Tulare, CA
$138,039
$66.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSan Francisco, CATulare, CA
Median Salary$168,171$138,039
Hourly Rate$80.85$66.37
Entry Level (P10)$99,264$96,295
25th Percentile$129,463$113,546
75th Percentile$190,123$150,861
Top Earner (P90)$214,204$180,081
Total Employed1,30017
Side-by-side bar chart comparing San Francisco ($168,171) and Tulare ($138,039) ultrasound technologist salaries.San FranciscoTulareMedian Salary$168,171$138,039Entry Level (P10)$99,264$96,295Top Earner (P90)$214,204$180,081US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between San Francisco and Tulare is $30,132 (21.83%). 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,Tulare spans $83,786. 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
Tulare
P10 (Entry)$96,295
P25$113,546
Median$138,039
P75$150,861
P90 (Top)$180,081

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($145,460 effective) pays 19.18% more than Tulare ($122,050 effective).

San Francisco
Nominal: $168,171
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $145,460
Tulare
Nominal: $138,039
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $122,050

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 Tulare 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 Tulare over the same period.

San Francisco, CA

+39.6%

$114,790 (2019) → $160,270 (2025)

Tulare, CA

+-7.2%

$141,691 (2024) → $131,553 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

San Francisco has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $168,171/year, compared to Tulare at $138,039/year — a difference of $30,132 (21.83%).

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

San Francisco ultrasound technologists earn $80.85/hr while Tulare hygienists earn $66.37/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing San Francisco and Tulare. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: San Francisco = $145,460, Tulare = $122,050), job availability (1,300 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $99,264 in San Francisco and $96,295 in Tulare. 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