Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Chico, CA: $158,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Chico, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $158,822/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Chico's price premium (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $156,943 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
An experienced ultrasound technologist in Chico, California, can anticipate an impressive annual salary of $129,987 in 2026, with top-tier earners reaching as high as $158,822. This figure not only highlights the earning potential in this city but also illustrates how Chico's highest salaries significantly outpace the national average top earners' compensation. The substantial gap between the median salary and the top earning potential underscores the value assigned to experience and advanced skills in the field. Achieving such high compensation necessitates a commitment to professional development, which may include gaining specialized certifications and acquiring experience in high-demand areas of practice.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Chico earn between $138,906 and $158,822 per year (2026 est.). This $60,209 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chico median of $129,987 sits 28.25% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Chico | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $129,987 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,906 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $158,822 | $135,748 |
In Chico, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 22.18% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Chico
Advanced Certifications in California
CA ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $129,987 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chico employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Chico command premium compensation, often reaching the $138,906–$158,822 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedChico ranks #154 of 157 California cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $158,822).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Chico ($158,822) is 14.32% below the California average P90 ($185,368).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,530
2025 BLS Actual
$151,360
2026 Current Est.
$158,822
2019–2027 Growth
+24.8%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,652 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Chico saw their compensation grow 13.4% from $133,530 in 2019 to $151,360 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 $166,652 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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 Chico
Specializations within ultrasound technology can greatly influence senior ultrasound technologist pay in CA, particularly in specialty areas such as cardiac or vascular sonography. Compensation also varies by employer type; professionals working in large healthcare organizations may yield higher salaries compared to those in community health centers or private practices. Paths to advancement often lead to leadership roles such as lead practitioner or clinical coordinator, and securing advanced credentials, like those offered through a national body, can significantly boost earning potential. Benefits beyond salary, including shift differentials and comprehensive health plans, further enhance overall compensation, making the position attractive to skilled technologists in Chico.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Chico in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Chico?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Chico?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Chico?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Chico?
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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 $151,360 for ultrasound technologists in the Chico 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
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