Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Modesto, CA: $148,172 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Modesto, CA earns a median $148,172/year (≈ $71.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Modesto's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.1), that paycheck buys what $142,325 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.4% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, California, ultrasound technologists earn a median annual salary of $148,172, which is substantially higher than the national median of $101,352. This sector may be competitive, as there are currently 200 ultrasound technologists employed locally, reflecting a market that is active but not overly saturated. The anticipated salary range for this profession in Modesto extends from $84,364 at the 10th percentile to $186,545 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. The significant local compensation demonstrates the demand for skilled professionals in this role, indicating promising opportunities for job seekers in the area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,364 | $40.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,202 | $53.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,172 | $71.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,545 | $89.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,545 | $89.68 |
Median Salary Position
46.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Modesto
In Modesto, CA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,181 (2026 est.). At $148,172, the local median is 46.2% above the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Modesto: You'd be above the median
How Modesto Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Modesto median: $148,172/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Modesto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,690 | +8.40% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +46.20% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in Modesto, CA earn a median of $148,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.20% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 8.40% above the California state average of $136,690.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Modesto has a cost of living 4.11% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Modesto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 104.108 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,172 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $142,325 — a 3.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,420
2025 BLS Actual
$141,210
2026 Current Est.
$148,172
2019–2027 Growth
+68.2%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,172 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,477 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Modesto metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 52.8% from $92,420 (2019) to $141,210 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,477 by 2027 — a total increase of $63,057 (68.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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) | $84,364 – $112,202 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,202 – $148,172 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,172 – $186,545 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,545 – $186,545 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Modesto
The Modesto job market for ultrasound technologists is characterized by a cost-of-living index of 104.108, suggesting that while salaries are attractive, the expense of living in this city may be slightly above the national average. Major employers in Modesto, including larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, tend to offer higher compensation packages compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Factors influencing salary variation include shift differentials, specialized certifications, and the overall benefits structure provided by employers. To maximize earning potential, ultrasound technologists in Modesto can focus on obtaining additional certifications and pursuing opportunities with larger healthcare systems that typically offer enhanced pay and benefits. Understanding the dynamics of local employment can empower candidates as they consider how much do ultrasound technologists make in Modesto and strategize for career advancement.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Modesto?
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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 $141,210 for ultrasound technologistsin the Modesto 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
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