Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Los Angeles, CA: $59,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Los Angeles, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,999 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Los Angeles's local price level (BEA RPP 113.6 — 14% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,832 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,318) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Entering the field as an ultrasound technologist in Los Angeles comes with a starting salary pegged at $59,999 in 2026. While this figure may appear modest compared to the city median annual salary of $125,318, it is an essential point of entry for new graduates. As they gain experience and expand their skills, entry-level professionals can expect their pay to rise, with potential earnings reaching $90,219 as they navigate their careers in the first few years. Given the projected 4.93% growth rate, this pathway indicates a strong demand for ultrasound technologists in Los Angeles, making it a favorable job market for new entrants looking to establish their careers in CA.
Career Earnings Timeline in Los Angeles
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 Los Angeles
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Los Angeles, CA typically start between $59,999 and $90,219 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $116,661 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,318 — 23.65% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in California of $30,000 represents just 50.00% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($59,999/year) in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles
- 1Research the Los Angeles market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $59,999 to $90,219, 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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Los Angeles's above-average cost of living (index: 113.566) 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 Los Angeles is $116,661 ( 194.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,999, experienced hygienists can earn up to $176,660.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,690
2025 BLS Actual
$57,180
2026 Current Est.
$59,999
2019–2027 Growth
+-8.3%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,957 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Los Angeles, CA grew -16.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,690 in 2019 to $57,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,957. New graduates entering the Los Angeles job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
A variety of employers in Los Angeles actively recruit new graduates, including major hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide comprehensive onboarding. This structured approach helps fresh technologists transition into their roles more effectively and can influence starting pay, especially when combined with state licensure and optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body. New graduates should focus on gaining relevant credentials as these can significantly enhance their marketability. In the early years, technologists can anticipate steady salary increases as they build experience, with their compensation likely varying depending on employer type and geographical factors in California. The potential for salary growth and professional advancement within the first three years can lead to a fruitful and sustainable career.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Los Angeles in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Los Angeles?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Los Angeles?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles. 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