Ultrasound Tech Pay

Los Angeles vs San Clemente: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Clemente, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Los Angeles, CA
$125,318
$60.25/hr
San Clemente, CA
$135,875
$65.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLos Angeles, CASan Clemente, CA
Median Salary$125,318$135,875
Hourly Rate$60.25$65.33
Entry Level (P10)$59,999$91,308
25th Percentile$90,219$114,336
75th Percentile$149,861$154,040
Top Earner (P90)$176,660$186,498
Total Employed3,55010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Los Angeles ($125,318) and San Clemente ($135,875) ultrasound technologist salaries.Los AngelesSan ClementeMedian Salary$125,318$135,875Entry Level (P10)$59,999$91,308Top Earner (P90)$176,660$186,498US Median $101,352

Verdict

San Clemente, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.

The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Clemente is $10,557 (8.42%). San Clemente's median is +34.06% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $116,661,San Clemente spans $95,190. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$59,999
P25$90,219
Median$125,318
P75$149,861
P90 (Top)$176,660
San Clemente
P10 (Entry)$91,308
P25$114,336
Median$135,875
P75$154,040
P90 (Top)$186,498

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Clemente ($120,137 effective) pays 8.87% more than Los Angeles ($110,348 effective).

Los Angeles
Nominal: $125,318
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $110,348
San Clemente
Nominal: $135,875
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $120,137

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Larger job market (3,550 employed)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Clemente if…

  • Higher median salary ($135,875/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($186,498)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,137)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Los Angeles grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.2% growth in San Clemente over the same period.

Los Angeles, CA

+25.3%

$95,340 (2019) → $119,430 (2025)

San Clemente, CA

+-7.2%

$139,469 (2024) → $129,491 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Los Angeles or San Clemente?

San Clemente has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $135,875/year, compared to Los Angeles at $125,318/year — a difference of $10,557 (8.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Clemente?

Los Angeles ultrasound technologists earn $60.25/hr while San Clemente hygienists earn $65.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Clemente as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Los Angeles and San Clemente. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Los Angeles = $110,348, San Clemente = $120,137), job availability (3,550 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Los Angeles vs San Clemente?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $59,999 in Los Angeles and $91,308 in San Clemente. The San Clemente area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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