How Much Do Ultrasound Techs Make in California

If you’re considering a career as an ultrasound technician in California, one of your first questions is likely about salary. California is one of the highest-paying states for healthcare professionals, and ultrasound techs (also known as diagnostic medical sonographers) are no exception. In this guide, we’ll break down how much ultrasound techs make per year, per hour, and per month, as well as explore starting salaries, regional variations, travel positions, and historical trends.

1. Overall / Annual Salary

When it comes to annual income, California ultrasound technicians enjoy some of the top salaries in the nation. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for ultrasound techs in California is around $115,000 to $120,000 per year as of 2025.

Several factors influence this figure:

• Experience level: Entry-level sonographers might start closer to $85,000, while experienced professionals with over 10 years can earn $130,000+.
• Work setting: Salaries differ by workplace—hospitals and outpatient care centers often pay more than private clinics.
• Location: Cities with a higher cost of living like San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles tend to offer higher wages.

Key Takeaway: On average, ultrasound techs in California make around $115K annually, with significant room for growth depending on skills, certifications, and location.

2. Hourly Pay

If you prefer to view income from an hourly perspective, California’s ultrasound techs typically earn between $50 to $60 per hour, according to current labor reports.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Average hourly rate: About $55/hour statewide.
• Entry-level rates: Around $40–45/hour for new graduates.
• Top earners: Senior or specialized ultrasound techs (e.g., vascular or cardiac sonographers) can make $70/hour or more.

Keep in mind that overtime and night/weekend shifts often pay a premium. Hospitals with 24/7 operations may offer differential pay for less desirable shifts.

Pro Tip: Hourly pay can be advantageous for techs who work part-time or on-call, allowing flexibility and the potential for higher total earnings with extra hours.

3. Monthly Pay

Breaking the numbers into monthly earnings provides a clearer picture of take-home pay:

• Average monthly salary: Approximately $9,500 to $10,000 before taxes.
• Entry-level monthly income: Around $7,000–7,500.
• Experienced monthly income: Over $11,000–12,000 for seasoned professionals.

Your net pay (after taxes and deductions) will depend on your location, benefits, and tax bracket. In higher-cost cities like San Francisco, while salaries are higher, living expenses also significantly impact disposable income.

Most full-time ultrasound techs receive additional benefits such as:

• Health insurance and retirement plans
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Continuing education reimbursement

Quick Example:
An ultrasound tech earning $115,000/year would take home about $9,583/month, before taxes. After federal and state deductions, the net monthly income might be around $6,800–$7,500, depending on filing status.

4. Starting Salary

For those just entering the field, the starting salary for ultrasound techs in California is quite competitive.

New graduates can expect to earn between $80,000 and $90,000 per year, translating to:

• $6,500–$7,500 per month, or
• $38–$45 per hour

Factors influencing entry-level pay include:

• Education level (Associate vs. Bachelor’s degree)
• Certifications (e.g., ARDMS or ARRT credentials)
• Clinical experience gained during training
• Employer type (large hospital vs. small clinic)

With 1–2 years of experience, salaries can quickly climb past the $100K mark, especially if you gain specializations like obstetric, abdominal, or vascular sonography.

Tip for New Techs: Start in a high-demand area or a large healthcare system to gain diverse experience and increase earning potential faster.

5. Regional Focus: Southern California

Salaries for ultrasound techs in California vary significantly by region — and Southern California offers both strong demand and competitive pay. Let’s look at the breakdown across key cities:

• Los Angeles: Average annual salary around $118,000, with experienced techs exceeding $130,000. LA’s vast healthcare network and major hospital systems drive strong demand.
• San Diego: Ultrasound techs earn about $110,000–$120,000, depending on the facility. High-paying positions often exist in academic medical centers and specialty clinics.
• Orange County: Known for its private hospitals and high cost of living, techs here can make between $115,000 and $125,000 per year.

Although Southern California salaries might be slightly lower than in Northern California cities like San Francisco or San Jose, the difference often balances out due to lower living costs in certain areas and more job availability.

Regional Takeaway:
Southern California ultrasound techs earn competitive wages, especially in major metro areas. Rural or inland counties may offer slightly lower pay but can provide other advantages such as lower rent and less competition.

6. Special Role: Travel Ultrasound Techs

If you enjoy variety and flexibility, working as a travel ultrasound tech can be highly rewarding — both professionally and financially.

Pay Range

• Travel ultrasound techs in California typically earn $2,500–$3,500 per week, translating to $120,000–$160,000 annually (sometimes more depending on assignment length and location).
• Hourly rates often exceed $65–$75/hour due to temporary contracts and high-demand assignments.

Added Benefits

• Housing stipends or fully covered accommodation
• Travel reimbursements
• Completion bonuses or per diem allowances

Because California is one of the top-paying states for travel healthcare professionals, travel sonographers often prioritize assignments here. This role suits professionals seeking short-term contracts, flexible schedules, and exposure to diverse clinical settings.

Pro Tip: If you’re open to relocating or taking on multiple assignments per year, travel roles can yield higher total compensation than standard full-time positions.

7. Historical Data: Past Salary Trends

Understanding salary trends over time can help you see how stable and promising this career path is in California.

2014

• Average annual salary: $84,000–$88,000
• Entry-level positions: around $65,000–$70,000
• Experienced professionals: up to $95,000+

2019

• Average annual salary: $100,000–$105,000
• Entry-level positions: $75,000–$80,000
• Experienced sonographers: $115,000+

2025

• Current average salary: $115,000–$120,000
• Growth driven by:
  • Increased healthcare demand
  • Advances in diagnostic imaging
  • A growing aging population requiring more medical imaging

This steady rise shows that ultrasound tech salaries in California have grown by 30–40% in the past decade, reflecting strong job security and a positive long-term outlook.

8. Career Outlook and Final Insights

The demand for ultrasound techs in California is expected to grow significantly. According to BLS projections, employment for diagnostic medical sonographers is set to increase by 14% or more over the next decade — much faster than the average for all occupations.

Why This Field is Promising

• High demand in hospitals, outpatient centers, and private practices
• Strong salary growth with experience and specialization
• Flexible work options — full-time, part-time, and travel roles
• Opportunities to specialize in cardiac, vascular, or obstetric sonography

Tips for Maximizing Earnings

• Earn additional certifications (ARDMS, RVT, RDCS)
• Work in high-demand regions or specialized departments
• Consider travel assignments or overtime shifts
• Stay updated with new imaging technologies and continuing education

Conclusion

So, how much do ultrasound techs make in California?
On average, expect to earn around $115,000–$120,000 annually, or $55–$60 per hour — with strong potential for growth as you gain experience.

From entry-level salaries near $80,000, to senior or specialized positions exceeding $130,000, California remains one of the most lucrative states for this profession. Whether you’re starting out, working in Southern California, or exploring travel tech opportunities, the field offers excellent pay, benefits, and job stability.

FAQ Section (Add to Article Footer)

1. Do ultrasound techs make good money in California?

Yes! California is one of the highest-paying states for ultrasound techs, with average salaries around $115,000–$120,000 per year and top earners exceeding $130,000.

2. How much do ultrasound techs make an hour in California?

Ultrasound techs earn around $55–$60 per hour on average, with higher rates for experienced or specialized professionals.

3. What is the starting salary for ultrasound techs in California?

Entry-level ultrasound techs typically earn between $80,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on location, certifications, and facility type.

4. Where do ultrasound techs make the most money in California?

Top-paying cities include San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Orange County, where salaries can reach $125,000+ per year.

5. Do travel ultrasound techs make more money?

Yes, travel ultrasound techs often earn $2,500–$3,500 per week, or up to $160,000 annually, plus housing and travel stipends.