Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Baldwin Park, CA: $95,982 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Baldwin Park, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $95,982 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Baldwin Park's local price level (BEA RPP 113.113% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,865 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,213) within a few years of clinical practice.

$95,982
Starting Salary
$46.15/hr
Starting Hourly
$95,982
Entry Level
$133,213
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Baldwin Park, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Baldwin Park, CA ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Graduating as an ultrasound technologist in Baldwin Park, CA, offers new professionals an entry-level pay structure that starts at approximately $95,982 in 2026. This figure is somewhat below the city’s median annual salary of $133,213, indicating a range of opportunities for salary growth as new technologists gain experience and skills over the first few years. An entry-level position can be a solid stepping stone, leading up to earnings at $108,950 within a few years, and potentially reaching the median as professionals advance in their careers. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Baldwin Park is a favorable market for recent graduates seeking to establish their careers in medical imaging.

About the Baldwin Park Market

Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Baldwin Park

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$95,982/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$108,950/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$133,213/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$147,876/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baldwin Park

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Baldwin Park. The median salary is $133,213, compared to the national median of $101,352.$86.4K$111.4K$136.4K$161.5K$186.5K$96.0K10th Pctl$109.0K25th Pctl$133.2KMedian$147.9K75th Pctl$177.6K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Baldwin Park, CA typically start between $95,982 and $108,950 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $81,619 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,21331.44% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Baldwin Park metro area.

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg CA Program Cost
$95,982
Starting Salary
31.26%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in California of $30,000 represents just 31.26% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($95,982/year) in Baldwin Park. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.

Ultrasound Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Baldwin Park

  • 1Research the Baldwin Park market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $95,982 to $108,950, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical imaging field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Baldwin Park, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Baldwin Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Baldwin Park's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.

Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range

The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Baldwin Park is $81,619 ( 85.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $95,982, experienced hygienists can earn up to $177,601.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$71,173

2025 BLS Actual

$91,472

2026 Current Est.

$95,982

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Baldwin Park (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Baldwin Park. Baseline $71,173 in 2025, projected to $100,713 by 2027.$65.1K$75.7K$86.4K$97.1K$107.7K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$71.2K$72.5K$80.4K$82.9K$85.9K$101.6K$91.5K$96.0K$100.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$71,173Actual
2020$72,549Actual
2021$80,439Actual
2022$82,854Actual
2023$85,888Actual
2024$101,628Actual
2025$91,472Actual
2026(current)$95,982Estimated
2027$100,713Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Baldwin Park, CA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,173 in 2019 to $91,472 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,713. New graduates entering the Baldwin Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baldwin Park metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your medical imaging Career in Baldwin Park

In Baldwin Park, several large hospital systems and corporate practices actively recruit new graduates, offering structured onboarding and mentorship. To enhance their starting ultrasound technologist pay in CA, new entrants should consider obtaining state licensure and exploring advanced certifications recognized nationally, which can significantly impact their compensation prospects. The varying nature of employers in the region means that new ultrasound technologists can expect different starting salaries; those in corporate environments or large healthcare systems may see better initial compensation than those in smaller practices. Realistic salary growth during the first few years falls within a range influenced by these factors, setting candidates up for potential raises as they build experience and expand their skill sets in this dynamic field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Baldwin Park in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Baldwin Park start at approximately $95,982/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $46.15/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Baldwin Park?

Most ultrasound technologists in Baldwin Park progress from the entry-level salary of $95,982 to the area median of $133,213 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $177,601 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Baldwin Park?

With a starting salary of $95,982/year in Baldwin Park and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Baldwin Park?

New medical imaging graduates in Baldwin Park typically start near the 10th percentile at $95,982/year, or approximately $46.15/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in California?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in California, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including California, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in California

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

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical imaging graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Baldwin Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Baldwin Park is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).

Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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