Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Pasadena, CA: $190,847 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Pasadena, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $190,847/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Pasadena's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $168,742 in average-cost America. The 39% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, a senior ultrasound technologist can command top-tier compensation, with potential earnings reaching $190,847 in 2026. This figure represents a significant advantage over the national top earners, illustrating the premium placed on experienced professionals in this region. With a median salary of $137,681, a considerable gap exists between typical earnings and what top earners receive, reflecting the skills and expertise necessary to reach such heights. Professionals aspiring to achieve this level of pay must cultivate advanced credentials and specializations while accruing substantial hands-on experience.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Pasadena earn between $156,612 and $190,847 per year (2026 est.). This $94,611 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pasadena median of $137,681 sits 35.84% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Pasadena | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $137,681 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,612 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $190,847 | $135,748 |
In Pasadena, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 38.62% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Pasadena
Advanced Certifications in California
CA ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $137,681 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pasadena employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Pasadena command premium compensation, often reaching the $156,612–$190,847 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPasadena ranks #31 of 157 California cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $190,847).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Pasadena ($190,847) is 2.96% above the California average P90 ($185,368).
2019 BLS Actual
$143,485
2025 BLS Actual
$181,880
2026 Current Est.
$190,847
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $143,485 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,096 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,909 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,457 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,505 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,559 | Actual |
| 2025 | $181,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,847 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,255 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Pasadena saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $143,485 in 2019 to $181,880 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 $200,255 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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 Pasadena
The compensation landscape for experienced ultrasound technologists in CA varies significantly based on the type of employer. For example, those employed by large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics often report higher pay compared to those in community health centers or private practices. Specialized fields, such as vascular ultrasound or obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound, particularly command premium pay in Pasadena. For advancement, seasoned technologists have several clear paths; positions such as clinical coordinator, department director, and lead practitioner offer opportunities for professional growth. Additionally, obtaining further certification recognized by national bodies can enhance salary potential. Non-salary compensation factors, including shift differentials, employee benefits, and the overall size of the employer, also contribute meaningfully to the comprehensive pay package for senior ultrasound technologists in Pasadena.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Pasadena in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Pasadena?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Pasadena?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Pasadena?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Pasadena?
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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 $181,880 for ultrasound technologists in the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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