Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Santa Cruz, CA: $149,158 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Santa Cruz, CA earns a median $149,158/year (≈ $71.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Santa Cruz's price level (10% above national, BEA RPP 109.9), that paycheck buys what $135,727 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.2% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the ultrasound technologist salary in Santa Cruz is projected to reach a median of $149,158, significantly higher than the statewide average. This impressive figure is supported by a salary range that spans from $91,488 at the 10th percentile to $183,963 at the 90th percentile. Such compensation reflects the competitive nature of the local job market, where demand for skilled ultrasound professionals remains strong. Data derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys indicates that Santa Cruz offers not only attractive salaries but also a dynamic environment for ultrasound technologists, making it a compelling place for professionals in the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,488 | $43.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,409 | $55.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,158 | $71.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,963 | $88.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,963 | $88.45 |
Median Salary Position
47.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz, CA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,475 (2026 est.). At $149,158, the local median is 47.17% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Cruz: You'd be above the median
How Santa Cruz Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Santa Cruz median: $149,158/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Cruz Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,592 | +9.20% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +47.17% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $149,158 per year (2026 est.), which is 47.17% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 9.20% above the California state average of $136,592.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Cruz has a cost of living 9.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Cruz, CA has a cost-of-living index of 109.896 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,158 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,727 — a 9% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,340
2025 BLS Actual
$142,150
2026 Current Est.
$149,158
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,158 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,511 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Cruz metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 34.9% from $105,340 (2019) to $142,150 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,511 by 2027 — a total increase of $51,171 (48.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Cruz 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) | $91,488 – $116,409 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,409 – $149,158 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,158 – $183,963 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,963 – $183,963 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Santa Cruz
With 40 ultrasound technologists employed in Santa Cruz, the local job market demonstrates a stable demand for qualified professionals. However, the cost of living in the area is slightly elevated, with a cost-of-living index of 109.896, which can impact take-home pay. Among the various employers, large healthcare organizations tend to offer some of the highest compensation packages, alongside attractive benefits. The disparity in salaries is influenced by factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the overall structure of the employers' benefits. To maximize their ultrasound technologist pay in Santa Cruz, CA, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications and focusing on opportunities within larger healthcare systems that typically provide higher wages and comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, 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 $142,150 for ultrasound technologistsin the Santa Cruz 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, 6-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