Ultrasound Tech Pay

Sacramento vs Thousand Oaks: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Sacramento, CA
$171,267
$82.34/hr
Thousand Oaks, CA
$131,416
$63.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSacramento, CAThousand Oaks, CA
Median Salary$171,267$131,416
Hourly Rate$82.34$63.18
Entry Level (P10)$107,165$95,254
25th Percentile$135,674$111,006
75th Percentile$190,207$149,003
Top Earner (P90)$197,583$182,035
Total Employed61032
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Sacramento ($171,267) and Thousand Oaks ($131,416) ultrasound technologist salaries.SacramentoThousand OaksMedian Salary$171,267$131,416Entry Level (P10)$107,165$95,254Top Earner (P90)$197,583$182,035US Median $101,352

Verdict

Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Thousand Oaks.

The salary gap between Sacramento and Thousand Oaks is $39,851 (30.32%). Sacramento's median is +68.98% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $90,418,Thousand Oaks spans $86,781. Sacramento has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Sacramento
P10 (Entry)$107,165
P25$135,674
Median$171,267
P75$190,207
P90 (Top)$197,583
Thousand Oaks
P10 (Entry)$95,254
P25$111,006
Median$131,416
P75$149,003
P90 (Top)$182,035

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($160,558 effective) pays 38.18% more than Thousand Oaks ($116,195 effective).

Sacramento
Nominal: $171,267
CoL Index: 106.67
Adjusted: $160,558
Thousand Oaks
Nominal: $131,416
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $116,195

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Sacramento if…

  • Higher median salary ($171,267/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($197,583)
  • Larger job market (610 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,558)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Thousand Oaks if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Sacramento grew 34.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.2% growth in Thousand Oaks over the same period.

Sacramento, CA

+34.1%

$121,700 (2019) → $163,220 (2025)

Thousand Oaks, CA

+-11.2%

$141,074 (2024) → $125,242 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Sacramento or Thousand Oaks?

Sacramento has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $171,267/year, compared to Thousand Oaks at $131,416/year — a difference of $39,851 (30.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Thousand Oaks?

Sacramento ultrasound technologists earn $82.34/hr while Thousand Oaks hygienists earn $63.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Sacramento to Thousand Oaks as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Sacramento and Thousand Oaks. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Sacramento = $160,558, Thousand Oaks = $116,195), job availability (610 vs 32 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Sacramento vs Thousand Oaks?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $107,165 in Sacramento and $95,254 in Thousand Oaks. The Sacramento 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