Ultrasound Technologist Salary in San Jose, CA: $181,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in San Jose, CA earns a median $181,686/year (≈ $87.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in San Jose's price level (10% above national, BEA RPP 110.4), that paycheck buys what $164,536 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 33.0% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the ultrasound technologist salary in San Jose, CA, is projected to reach $181,686, which is significantly higher than the national median of $101,352. This median position reflects a notable discrepancy, positioning local ultrasound technologists 79.26% above their national counterparts. Salaries in the region vary considerably, with a range from $105,066 at the lower end to $223,511 for more experienced or specialized professionals. Such figures are derived from data collected through the 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlighting the competitive nature of the healthcare market in San Jose. The city’s strong demand for skilled ultrasound professionals further emphasizes its importance as a healthcare hub in California.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,066 | $50.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $154,247 | $74.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $181,686 | $87.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $199,829 | $96.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,511 | $107.46 |
Median Salary Position
79.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Jose
In San Jose, CA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,445 (2026 est.). At $181,686, the local median is 79.26% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Jose: You'd be above the median
How San Jose Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
San Jose median: $181,686/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Jose Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,606 | +33.00% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +79.26% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in San Jose, CA earn a median of $181,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 79.26% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 33.00% above the California state average of $136,606.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Jose has a cost of living 10.42% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Jose, CA has a cost-of-living index of 110.423 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $181,686 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $164,536 — a 9.44% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,410
2025 BLS Actual
$173,150
2026 Current Est.
$181,686
2019–2027 Growth
+89.9%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in San Jose (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $151,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $170,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $190,643 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Jose metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 72.4% from $100,410 (2019) to $173,150 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $190,643 by 2027 — a total increase of $90,233 (89.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Jose 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) | $105,066 – $154,247 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $154,247 – $181,686 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $181,686 – $199,829 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $199,829 – $223,511 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in San Jose
Analyzing the local job market, there are approximately 500 ultrasound technologists employed in San Jose, reflecting a strong demand for this vital healthcare role. The cost of living index stands at 110.423, indicating that while salaries are higher than the national average, so are living expenses, which can impact take-home pay. Among employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer the most competitive pay, often providing robust benefits that can enhance overall compensation. The salary spread in this field can be influenced by factors such as shift differentials, specialty certifications, and the size of the employer. To maximize earnings in this San Jose market, ultrasound technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, seeking positions in larger health systems, and negotiating effectively by understanding the full scope of benefits offered by potential employers.
More salary data for San Jose, 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 $173,150 for ultrasound technologistsin the San Jose 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