San Francisco vs San Jose: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,171 | $181,686▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.85 | $87.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,264 | $105,066▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,463 | $154,247▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $190,123 | $199,829▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,204 | $223,511▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,300▲ | 500 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between San Francisco and San Jose is $13,515 (8.04%). San Jose's median is +79.26% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $114,940,San Jose spans $118,445. San Jose 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, San Jose ($164,536 effective) pays 13.11% more than San Francisco ($145,460 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($181,686/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,511)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,536)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in San Francisco grew 39.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 72.4% growth in San Jose over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$114,790 (2019) → $160,270 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$100,410 (2019) → $173,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: San Francisco or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and San Jose?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to San Jose as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in San Francisco vs San Jose?
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