Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Burbank, CA: $181,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Burbank, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $181,942/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Burbank's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $160,868 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, California, experienced ultrasound technologists can anticipate an attractive median salary of $134,943 in 2026, with top earners presenting considerable potential for even higher pay. Those at the 90th percentile can command up to $181,942, showcasing a stark contrast with the median compensation and emphasizing the significant experience premium that these senior professionals enjoy. Navigating advanced practice areas and achieving specialized training are critical for breaking into this upper echelon, as these factors correlate closely with the skill level required for premier positions in major healthcare organizations and specialized clinics in the region. The gap between the median salary and top-tier earnings illustrates the financial benefits of expertise and leadership in this field.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Burbank earn between $150,045 and $181,942 per year (2026 est.). This $92,361 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burbank median of $134,943 sits 33.14% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Burbank | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,943 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,045 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $181,942 | $135,748 |
In Burbank, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 34.83% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Burbank
Advanced Certifications in California
CA ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $134,943 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burbank employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Burbank command premium compensation, often reaching the $150,045–$181,942 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burbank metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ultrasound technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ultrasound technologists in Burbank with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Ultrasound Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burbank
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurbank ranks #90 of 157 California cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $181,942).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Burbank ($181,942) is 1.85% below the California average P90 ($185,368).
2019 BLS Actual
$136,791
2025 BLS Actual
$173,394
2026 Current Est.
$181,942
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,187 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,241 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $192,307 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,394 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $190,912 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Burbank saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $136,791 in 2019 to $173,394 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.93% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $190,912 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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.
Maximizing Your Ultrasound Technologist Earnings in Burbank
The senior ultrasound technologist pay in CA, particularly in Burbank, varies significantly depending on the practice area. Specializations such as vascular and cardiac ultrasound tend to command premium compensation, as they require advanced expertise and are in high demand. Additionally, employment types influence earnings; while larger healthcare institutions often offer higher salaries, private practices may provide greater flexibility and opportunities for profit-sharing. Career advancement is promising for seasoned professionals, with paths leading to roles like clinical coordinator or department director, which not only boost salary but expand professional impact. Furthermore, acquiring additional certifications, coupled with state licensure, can further enhance earning potential in California. Beyond salaries, senior positions may also come with added benefits such as job stability, shift differentials, and a comprehensive benefits package, making these roles attractive to experienced ultrasound technologists striving for long-term career success.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Burbank in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Burbank?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Burbank?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Burbank?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Burbank?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $173,394 for ultrasound technologists in the Burbank metro area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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