Bakersfield vs Los Angeles: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Bakersfield, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,363 | $125,318▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.98 | $60.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,444▲ | $59,999 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,287▲ | $90,219 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,191 | $149,861▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,750 | $176,660▲ |
| Total Employed | 180 | 3,550▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bakersfield.
The salary gap between Bakersfield and Los Angeles is $10,955 (9.58%). Los Angeles's median is +23.65% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bakersfield spans $89,306,Los Angeles spans $116,661. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bakersfield ($113,359 effective) pays 2.73% more than Los Angeles ($110,348 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,359)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,318/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,660)
- ✓Larger job market (3,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Bakersfield grew 22.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Bakersfield, CA
$89,030 (2019) → $108,990 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$95,340 (2019) → $119,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bakersfield, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Bakersfield or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bakersfield and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Bakersfield to Los Angeles as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Bakersfield vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov