Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Merced, CA: $132,747 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Merced, CA earns a median $132,747/year (≈ $63.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Merced's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $117,371 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merced, California, the compensation for ultrasound technologists shows considerable promise, with a projected median annual salary of $132,747 for 2026. This figure reflects a 30.98% increase compared to the national median of $101,352. The salary range for professionals in this field spans from $91,177 at the 10th percentile to $176,406 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market and potential for growth. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, reveal that ultrasound technologist pay in Merced CA is both competitive and advantageous for aspiring professionals in the area. With an annual growth rate of 4.93%, the local job market for ultrasound technologists appears to be expanding, suggesting opportunities for newcomers and those pursuing career advancement.
About the Merced Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,177 | $43.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,021 | $51.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,747 | $63.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,709 | $70.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,406 | $84.81 |
Median Salary Position
30.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Merced
In Merced, CA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,229 (2026 est.). At $132,747, the local median is 30.98% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Merced: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Merced Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Merced median: $132,747/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Merced Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,571 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +30.98% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in Merced, CA earn a median of $132,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.98% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.80% below the California state average of $136,571.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Merced has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Merced, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,747 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,371 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,342
2025 BLS Actual
$126,510
2026 Current Est.
$132,747
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,342 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,437 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,821 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,747 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,291 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Merced metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $97,342 (2019) to $126,510 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,291 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,949 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merced 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) | $91,177 – $108,021 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,021 – $132,747 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,747 – $146,709 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,709 – $176,406 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Merced
With 20 ultrasound technologists currently employed in the area, Merced’s healthcare sector reflects a balanced job market for this profession. The local cost-of-living index standing at 113.1 means that while salaries may seem robust, they must be viewed in the context of increased living expenses. Among the various employers in Merced, large healthcare organizations typically offer the highest salaries, owing to their comprehensive benefits structure and potential for various shift differentials. Community health centers and specialty clinics also play significant roles in the market, though they may not always match the pay of larger establishments. To maximize potential earnings, ultrasound technologists should consider obtaining specialized credentials that can elevate their profiles. Engaging in continuous education and networking within the community can also help professionals stay informed about better-paying positions and opportunities for advancement in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Merced, 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 $126,510 for ultrasound technologistsin the Merced 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 Merced 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