Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Sacramento, CA: $107,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Sacramento, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $107,165 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sacramento's local price level (BEA RPP 106.7 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $100,464 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($171,267) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Sacramento can expect a starting salary around $107,165 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the pay spectrum, which shows a significant gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $171,267. For new graduates just starting, this indicates that they will typically earn less than 63% of the median salary. However, with experience and dedication, there is a reasonable growth trajectory as they can progress to $135,674 within the first few years. Given the positive job market forecast and a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Sacramento presents a favorable environment for newly licensed ultrasound technologists looking to establish their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sacramento
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 Sacramento
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Sacramento, CA typically start between $107,165 and $135,674 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,418 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $171,267 — 68.98% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in California of $30,000 represents just 27.99% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($107,165/year) in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento
- 1Research the Sacramento market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $107,165 to $135,674, 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sacramento's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Sacramento is $90,418 ( 84.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $107,165, experienced hygienists can earn up to $197,583.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,970
2025 BLS Actual
$102,130
2026 Current Est.
$107,165
2019–2027 Growth
+42.4%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,448 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Sacramento, CA grew 29.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,970 in 2019 to $102,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $112,448. New graduates entering the Sacramento job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Several healthcare employers in Sacramento are actively hiring new graduates, particularly larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs. Obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing advanced certifications can further enhance starting pay in California. In the first three years, ultrasound technologists can expect variations in salary that depend on the type of employer, geographic location, and individual credential mix. Realistically, the gap between entry-level positions and more experienced roles is pronounced, allowing for significant salary increases as technologists gain skills and expertise. As they continue their careers, newly minted specialists can look forward to an improved earning potential as they align with employer expectations and industry standards.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Sacramento in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Sacramento?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Sacramento?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Sacramento?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in California?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Sacramento. 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