Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Chico, CA: $98,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Chico, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $98,613 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chico's local price level (BEA RPP 101.2 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $97,447 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,987) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, California, those entering the ultrasound technologist field can expect starting salaries around $98,613 in 2026. This entry-level figure stands in contrast to the median annual salary of $129,987 for experienced professionals in the area, underscoring a significant initial gap. However, early-career practitioners can anticipate growth as they gain experience, with salaries potentially rising to approximately $114,374 within the first few years. The job market in Chico appears favorable for new graduates, particularly given the demand projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.93%. As a new tech in ultrasound, recent graduates should be encouraged by the potential to advance their compensation over time, making Chico a viable location to start their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chico
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 Chico
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Chico, CA typically start between $98,613 and $114,374 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,209 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,987 — 28.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in California of $30,000 represents just 30.42% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($98,613/year) in Chico. 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 Chico
- 1Research the Chico market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $98,613 to $114,374, 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 Chico, 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 Chico for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chico's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Chico is $60,209 ( 61.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $98,613, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,822.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,010
2025 BLS Actual
$93,980
2026 Current Est.
$98,613
2019–2027 Growth
+256.7%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,475 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Chico, CA grew 224.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,010 in 2019 to $93,980 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $103,475. New graduates entering the Chico job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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 Chico
Several healthcare employers in Chico actively seek to hire new graduates as entry-level ultrasound technologists, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations often provide structured onboarding that helps novices transition smoothly into the workforce. To enhance their earning potential, new professionals should consider pursuing state licensure, as well as optional advanced certifications that are recognized nationally. In the first few years, early-career ultrasound technologists can expect modest growth in their compensation, influenced by factors such as employer type and geographic market. By targeting opportunities with institutions known for supporting continuing education and professional development, new grads can strategically position themselves for salary increases that reflect their growing expertise and credentials in a competitive California market.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Chico in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Chico?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Chico?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Chico?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in California?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Chico. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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