Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Chino Hills, CA: $93,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Chino Hills, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,613 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chino Hills's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,770 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,881) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the field as an ultrasound technologist in Chino Hills, California, can be financially rewarding. In 2026, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Chino Hills is projected at $93,613, which sets a foundational pace against the city's overall median salary of $136,881. This nearly $43,268 gap shows the potential for advancement as new graduates navigate their first few years in the profession. Over time, the pay can improve significantly as one moves through the pay ranges, with opportunities to reach the 25th percentile earnings of $111,188 in just a couple of years. For recent graduates seeking their first positions, Chino Hills represents a promising market, with a competitive entry-level salary reflecting the region's higher cost of living and demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
About the Chino Hills Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chino Hills
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 Chino Hills
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Chino Hills, CA typically start between $93,613 and $111,188 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $87,586 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,881 — 35.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in California of $30,000 represents just 32.05% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($93,613/year) in Chino Hills. 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 Chino Hills
- 1Research the Chino Hills market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $93,613 to $111,188, 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 Chino Hills, 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 Chino Hills for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Chino Hills'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 Chino Hills is $87,586 ( 93.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,613, experienced hygienists can earn up to $181,199.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,417
2025 BLS Actual
$89,215
2026 Current Est.
$93,613
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Chino Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,417 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,759 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,454 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,769 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,283 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,215 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,228 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Chino Hills, CA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,417 in 2019 to $89,215 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,228. New graduates entering the Chino Hills job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chino Hills 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 Chino Hills
Employers in Chino Hills that regularly hire new grad ultrasound technologists include large healthcare systems and corporate group practices, which often offer structured onboarding programs to help newcomers adapt. To boost their earning potential in California, new technologists should consider obtaining additional certifications recognized by their national accreditation bodies as well as state licensure. Such qualifications can lead to greater job opportunities and improved compensation, especially in a market where salaries can differ widely depending on the type of institution, geographic location, and specific certification mix. In the initial one to three years, entry-level technologists can realistically expect their salary to grow steadily, aligning with California's projected growth rate of 4.93% annually, setting the stage for significant financial advancement in the evolving landscape of healthcare.
More salary data for Chino Hills, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Chino Hills in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Chino Hills?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Chino Hills?
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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 Chino Hills. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chino Hills 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