Ultrasound Technologist Salary in San Rafael, CA: $138,623 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in San Rafael, CA earns a median $138,623/year (≈ $66.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in San Rafael's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,567 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Ultrasound technologists in San Rafael, California, can expect a median annual salary of $138,623 in 2026, which is significantly above the national median of $101,352. The local salary range spans from $97,661 at the 10th percentile to $181,953 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a wide variance that reflects differing experience levels and employer policies. These salary projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living conditions, which are relatively high in San Rafael, with a cost of living index of 113.1. As a result, the purchasing power of ultrasound technologist pay in San Rafael, CA, is enhanced, positioning this city as a strong market for professionals in the field.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,661 | $46.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,745 | $55.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,623 | $66.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,165 | $73.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,953 | $87.48 |
Median Salary Position
36.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Rafael
In San Rafael, CA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,292 (2026 est.). At $138,623, the local median is 36.77% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Rafael: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Rafael Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
San Rafael median: $138,623/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Rafael Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,574 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +36.77% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in San Rafael, CA earn a median of $138,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.77% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.50% above the California state average of $136,574.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Rafael has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Rafael, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,623 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,567 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,650
2025 BLS Actual
$132,110
2026 Current Est.
$138,623
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,839 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,328 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,266 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,533 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,623 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,457 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Rafael metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $101,650 (2019) to $132,110 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,457 by 2027 — a total increase of $43,807 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Rafael 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) | $97,661 – $114,745 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,745 – $138,623 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,623 – $152,165 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,165 – $181,953 |
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 Rafael
With only 11 ultrasound technologists currently employed in San Rafael, the job market is relatively small but concentrated. The high cost of living impacts take-home pay, emphasizing the need for candidates to seek employment with larger healthcare organizations or specialized clinics, as these can offer higher compensation compared to private practices or community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and employee benefits significantly influence earnings, leading to a disparity between the lower and higher ends of the salary spectrum. Aspiring ultrasound technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications and experience in specialty areas to maximize their earning potential. Networking and staying informed about available positions within prominent healthcare facilities can also provide a strategic advantage in negotiating favorable ultrasound technologist pay in San Rafael, CA.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in San Rafael, CA in 2026?
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in San Rafael?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ultrasound technologist salary in San Rafael?
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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 $132,110 for ultrasound technologistsin the San Rafael 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 San Rafael 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