Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $93,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Moreno Valley, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,717 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moreno Valley's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,862 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($137,897) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the workforce as ultrasound technologists in Moreno Valley, CA, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $93,717 in 2026. While this is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $137,897 for the region, it still provides a solid entry point into a promising field. With an anticipated growth trajectory, individuals can expect their salaries to rise, moving from the entry-level position to around $112,207 by the time they reach the 25th percentile after a few years. Given the 4.93% annual growth rate in this profession, Moreno Valley offers an encouraging market for new ultrasound technologist graduates, making it a favorable environment to establish their careers.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moreno Valley
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 Moreno Valley
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Moreno Valley, CA typically start between $93,717 and $112,207 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $98,256 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $137,897 — 36.06% 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 ($93,717/year) in Moreno Valley. 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 Moreno Valley
- 1Research the Moreno Valley market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $93,717 to $112,207, 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 Moreno Valley, 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 Moreno Valley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Moreno Valley'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 Moreno Valley is $98,256 ( 104.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,717, experienced hygienists can earn up to $191,973.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,494
2025 BLS Actual
$89,314
2026 Current Est.
$93,717
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,494 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,542 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,899 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,862 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,314 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,337 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Moreno Valley, CA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,494 in 2019 to $89,314 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,337. New graduates entering the Moreno Valley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley
Thriving medical institutions, including major hospital systems and corporate group practices in Moreno Valley, are some of the main employers who actively seek to hire new graduates for ultrasound technologist roles. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs designed to help early-career technicians integrate smoothly into their new positions. To elevate starting pay and career prospects, it is essential for new ultrasound technologists to pursue state licensure, with the option to obtain advanced certifications through recognized national bodies. Over the first three years, salary growth can be realistic, reflecting the variety of compensation that varies based on employer type and geographic market. By strategically leveraging their credentials and continuing education, graduates have the potential to enhance their marketability and experience a meaningful salary increase as they demonstrate their expertise in this field.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Moreno Valley in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Moreno Valley?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Moreno Valley?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Moreno Valley?
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 Moreno Valley. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moreno Valley 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