San Francisco vs Santa Monica: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Monica, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,171▲ | $138,093 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.85▲ | $66.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,264▲ | $96,422 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,463▲ | $113,657 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,123▲ | $150,987 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,204▲ | $180,263 |
| Total Employed | 1,300▲ | 20 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Monica.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Monica is $30,078 (21.78%). 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 San Francisco spans $114,940,Santa Monica spans $83,841. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($145,460 effective) pays 19.13% more than Santa Monica ($122,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Santa Monica if…
- ✓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 -7.2% growth in Santa Monica over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$114,790 (2019) → $160,270 (2025)
Santa Monica, CA
$141,746 (2024) → $131,605 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: San Francisco or Santa Monica?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Santa Monica?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Santa Monica as a ultrasound technologist?
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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