Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Davis, CA: $93,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Davis, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,731 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davis's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,874 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,228) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Davis, California, the expected starting ultrasound technologist salary Davis offers in 2026 is projected at $93,731. This figure stands significantly below the median annual salary of $132,228 for ultrasound technologists in the city, highlighting a salary gap that new entrants should be aware of. However, the trajectory for growth is promising—entry-level professionals can anticipate moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $109,883 within a few years. The market in Davis is currently favorable, given its competitive compensation rates and demand for skilled ultrasound technologists, making it a suitable backdrop for those looking to begin their careers in this healthcare sector.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davis
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 Davis
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Davis, CA typically start between $93,731 and $109,883 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,546 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,228 — 30.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in California of $30,000 represents just 32.01% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($93,731/year) in Davis. 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 Davis
- 1Research the Davis market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $93,731 to $109,883, 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 Davis, 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 Davis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Davis'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 Davis is $80,546 ( 85.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,731, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,277.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,504
2025 BLS Actual
$89,327
2026 Current Est.
$93,731
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,504 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,553 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,911 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,874 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,296 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,327 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,352 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Davis, CA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,504 in 2019 to $89,327 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,352. New graduates entering the Davis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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 Davis
Hospital systems and corporate health practices in Davis actively seek to hire new grad ultrasound technologists, often providing structured onboarding programs tailored for recent graduates. Pursuing state licensure is essential, but obtaining additional certifications recognized by national professional organizations can significantly enhance starting pay in California and improve marketability. During the first three years, it is realistic for entry-level professionals to expect their salaries to increase as they gain experience and additional credentials. It's crucial for new technologists to strategically consider their employment choices, as compensation can vary widely depending on the employer type and the geographic market. Ultimately, if new graduates focus on skill development and networking within the healthcare community in Davis, they can effectively navigate the early stages of their careers while benefiting from the region's growing job opportunities.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Davis in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Davis?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Davis?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Davis?
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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 Davis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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