Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Irvine, CA: $141,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Irvine, CA earns a median $141,928/year (≈ $68.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Irvine's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $125,489 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, an ultrasound technologist in Irvine, California, can expect a median salary of $141,928, reflecting a significant 40.03% premium over the national median of $101,352. The local salary range spans from $97,945 at P10 to $200,398 at P90, showcasing the potential for lucrative earnings in this well-paying field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost-of-living considerations. Given Irvine's cost-of-living index of 113.1, this compensation allows ultrasound technologists to maintain a considerable purchasing power, attributing to a competitive job environment in the region.
About the Irvine Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,945 | $47.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,057 | $56.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,928 | $68.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,295 | $79.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,398 | $96.35 |
Median Salary Position
40.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvine
In Irvine, CA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,453 (2026 est.). At $141,928, the local median is 40.03% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvine Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Irvine median: $141,928/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,601 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +40.03% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in Irvine, CA earn a median of $141,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.03% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 3.90% above the California state average of $136,601.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvine has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvine, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $141,928 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $125,489 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,074
2025 BLS Actual
$135,260
2026 Current Est.
$141,928
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,074 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,919 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,288 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,684 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,925 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvine metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $104,074 (2019) to $135,260 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,925 by 2027 — a total increase of $44,851 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvine 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) | $97,945 – $117,057 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,057 – $141,928 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,928 – $165,295 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,295 – $200,398 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Irvine
The job market in Irvine currently employs 72 ultrasound technologists, highlighting an active demand for professionals in this sector. With the local cost-of-living index at 113.1, take-home pay is crucial; higher salaries become essential for affording the area's housing and everyday expenses. Major employers in Irvine, such as large healthcare organizations, often provide the highest salaries compared to private practices, community health centers, and specialty clinics. Variations in pay can stem from several factors, including shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the size and benefits structures of employers. To maximize earnings in this competitive market, ultrasound technologists should consider specializing in high-demand areas, pursuing advanced certifications, and seeking positions with larger healthcare facilities that offer comprehensive compensation packages.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Irvine?
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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 $135,260 for ultrasound technologistsin the Irvine 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 Irvine 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