Ultrasound Tech Pay

Mountain View vs San Francisco: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Mountain View, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mountain View, CA
$137,389
$66.05/hr
San Francisco, CA
$168,171
$80.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMountain View, CASan Francisco, CA
Median Salary$137,389$168,171
Hourly Rate$66.05$80.85
Entry Level (P10)$94,928$99,264
25th Percentile$112,221$129,463
75th Percentile$149,255$190,123
Top Earner (P90)$178,267$214,204
Total Employed131,300
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mountain View ($137,389) and San Francisco ($168,171) ultrasound technologist salaries.Mountain ViewSan FranciscoMedian Salary$137,389$168,171Entry Level (P10)$94,928$99,264Top Earner (P90)$178,267$214,204US Median $101,352

Verdict

San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mountain View.

The salary gap between Mountain View and San Francisco is $30,782 (22.40%). San Francisco's median is +65.93% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mountain View spans $83,339,San Francisco spans $114,940. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Mountain View
P10 (Entry)$94,928
P25$112,221
Median$137,389
P75$149,255
P90 (Top)$178,267
San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$99,264
P25$129,463
Median$168,171
P75$190,123
P90 (Top)$214,204

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($145,460 effective) pays 19.74% more than Mountain View ($121,476 effective).

Mountain View
Nominal: $137,389
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $121,476
San Francisco
Nominal: $168,171
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $145,460

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mountain View if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Francisco if…

  • Higher median salary ($168,171/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($214,204)
  • Larger job market (1,300 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,460)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Mountain View grew -7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.

Mountain View, CA

+-7.2%

$141,024 (2024) → $130,934 (2025)

San Francisco, CA

+39.6%

$114,790 (2019) → $160,270 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Mountain View or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $168,171/year, compared to Mountain View at $137,389/year — a difference of $30,782 (22.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mountain View and San Francisco?

Mountain View ultrasound technologists earn $66.05/hr while San Francisco hygienists earn $80.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mountain View to San Francisco as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mountain View and San Francisco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mountain View = $121,476, San Francisco = $145,460), job availability (13 vs 1,300 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Mountain View vs San Francisco?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $94,928 in Mountain View and $99,264 in San Francisco. The San Francisco 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