Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Brea, CA: $129,631 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Brea, CA earns a median $129,631/year (≈ $62.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Brea's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,616 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, ultrasound technologists in Brea, California, can expect a median annual salary of $129,631, a figure that significantly surpasses the national median of $101,352 by 27.90%. The salary range for this occupation locally spans from $94,853 at the lower end (P10) to $170,537 at the upper end (P90), reflecting a healthy market for these professionals. These estimates, which are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living factors, highlight a very competitive environment for ultrasound technologist pay in Brea, CA. The relatively high salary reflects not only the demand for skilled imaging professionals but also the costs that local employers incur in attracting and retaining talent in this specific market.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,853 | $45.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,466 | $52.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,631 | $62.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,490 | $68.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,537 | $81.99 |
Median Salary Position
27.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
In Brea, CA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,684 (2026 est.). At $129,631, the local median is 27.9% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brea Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Brea median: $129,631/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,597 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +27.90% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in Brea, CA earn a median of $129,631 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.90% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 5.10% below the California state average of $136,597.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brea has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brea, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,631 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,616 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,056
2025 BLS Actual
$123,540
2026 Current Est.
$129,631
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,056 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,103 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,431 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,048 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,038 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,631 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,021 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brea metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $95,056 (2019) to $123,540 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,021 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,965 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $94,853 – $109,466 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,466 – $129,631 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,631 – $143,490 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,490 – $170,537 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Brea
The job market for ultrasound technologists in Brea is relatively small, with only 10 professionals currently employed in the region. However, the cost of living index in Brea is at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average. This can impact take-home purchasing power, making higher salaries crucial for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer the most competitive pay for ultrasound technologists, compared to private practices and community health centers. The variance in pay scales can often be attributed to factors like shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the benefits structure provided by employers. Professionals seeking to maximize their ultrasound technologist salary in Brea should consider pursuing specialized certifications and exploring job opportunities at premier healthcare facilities, as these can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $123,540 for ultrasound technologistsin the Brea metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea 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