Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Burbank, CA: $89,581 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Burbank, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,581 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burbank's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,205 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,943) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Burbank, CA, is projected at $89,581 in 2026. While this entry-level pay is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $134,943, it is a strong initial figure that positions entry-level professionals well, particularly given the anticipated growth trajectory within the first few years. Graduates can expect to see their salaries rise as they gain experience, moving towards approximately $108,162 within the first few years and potentially reaching the median salary as they reach mid-level positions. Burbank currently represents a favorable job market for new ultrasound technologists, supported by a competitive salary relative to national averages.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burbank
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Burbank, CA typically start between $89,581 and $108,162 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $92,361 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,943 — 33.14% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in California of $30,000 represents just 33.49% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($89,581/year) in Burbank. 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 Burbank
- 1Research the Burbank market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $89,581 to $108,162, 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 Burbank, 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 Burbank for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Burbank'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 Burbank is $92,361 ( 103.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,581, experienced hygienists can earn up to $181,942.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,427
2025 BLS Actual
$85,372
2026 Current Est.
$89,581
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,427 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,711 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,075 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,161 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,037 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,581 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,997 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burbank, CA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,427 in 2019 to $85,372 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $93,997. New graduates entering the Burbank job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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 Burbank
In Burbank, healthcare employers like large hospital systems and corporate group practices are often the primary recruiters of entry-level ultrasound technologists. These organizations usually offer structured onboarding programs designed to support new graduates. To maximize starting pay in California, aspiring ultrasound technologists should focus on obtaining state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body. For those in their first three years of employment, a strategic approach typically entails building skills and credentials in diverse settings, as compensation rates can vary greatly depending on employer type and geographic location. As professionals gain licensure and relevant experience, realistic salary growth is projected, with many new grads earning approximately $108,162 or more by their third year in the field.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Burbank in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Burbank?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Burbank?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Burbank?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in California?
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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
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 Burbank. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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