Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Concord, CA: $94,747 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Concord, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $94,747 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 113.113% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,773 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,076) within a few years of clinical practice.

$94,747
Starting Salary
$45.55/hr
Starting Hourly
$94,747
Entry Level
$140,076
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For new graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Concord, California, the starting ultrasound technologist salary Concord offers is projected to be around $94,747 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $140,076, highlighting a gap that early-career professionals may experience initially. However, there’s room for growth; as new technologists gain experience, they can expect their salaries to rise, with potential increases to the P25 level of $113,182 within the first few years. Given Concord's steady demand for healthcare professionals and an expected growth rate of 4.93% annually, this market currently presents a favorable environment for fresh graduates looking to launch their careers in medical imaging.

About the Concord Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Concord

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$94,747/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$113,182/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$140,076/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$156,675/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Concord

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Concord. The median salary is $140,076, compared to the national median of $101,352.$85.3K$113.9K$142.6K$171.3K$199.9K$94.7K10th Pctl$113.2K25th Pctl$140.1KMedian$156.7K75th Pctl$190.4K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Concord, CA typically start between $94,747 and $113,182 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $95,671 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,07638.21% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg CA Program Cost
$94,747
Starting Salary
31.66%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in California of $30,000 represents just 31.66% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($94,747/year) in Concord. 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 Concord

  • 1Research the Concord market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $94,747 to $113,182, 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 Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Concord'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 Concord is $95,671 ( 100.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $94,747, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,418.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$70,258

2025 BLS Actual

$90,295

2026 Current Est.

$94,747

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Concord (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 Concord. Baseline $70,258 in 2025, projected to $99,418 by 2027.$64.2K$74.8K$85.4K$95.9K$106.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$70.3K$71.6K$79.4K$81.8K$84.8K$100.5K$90.3K$94.7K$99.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$70,258Actual
2020$71,616Actual
2021$79,404Actual
2022$81,787Actual
2023$84,783Actual
2024$100,457Actual
2025$90,295Actual
2026(current)$94,747Estimated
2027$99,418Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, CA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,258 in 2019 to $90,295 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $99,418. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord

Employment opportunities for new ultrasound technologists in Concord primarily come from large hospital systems and established corporate practices that have structured onboarding programs. These employers tend to be more receptive to hiring recent graduates, which is essential for newcomers seeking their first positions. Additionally, obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications can enhance new grad ultrasound technologist pay CA significantly. As your career progresses in the first few years, expect salary increments based on employer type and experience gained; many professionals find that moving from entry-level roles into more specialized positions is achievable with the right credentials. Realistically, many can see their salaries approach median levels within three years, reflecting the value of experience and continued education in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Concord in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Concord start at approximately $94,747/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 $45.55/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 Concord?

Most ultrasound technologists in Concord progress from the entry-level salary of $94,747 to the area median of $140,076 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $190,418 (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 Concord?

With a starting salary of $94,747/year in Concord 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 Concord?

New medical imaging graduates in Concord typically start near the 10th percentile at $94,747/year, or approximately $45.55/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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Concord 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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