Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Downey, CA: $138,344 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Downey, CA earns a median $138,344/year (≈ $66.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,320 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, the projected median annual salary for ultrasound technologists in 2026 is $138,344, reflecting a significant 36.50% premium over the national median of $101,352. The salary range is noteworthy, encompassing $90,293 at the 10th percentile to $193,481 at the 90th percentile, showcasing considerable earning potential within the local job market. These figures derive from 2025 BLS OEWS data, with adjustments made for regional cost of living factors. Notably, with only 22 ultrasound technologists currently employed in Downey, this low market saturation might present advantages for jobseekers in terms of less competition and opportunities for higher pay.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,293 | $43.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,938 | $55.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,344 | $66.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,957 | $75.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,481 | $93.02 |
Median Salary Position
36.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,188 (2026 est.). At $138,344, the local median is 36.5% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Downey median: $138,344/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,569 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +36.50% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in Downey, CA earn a median of $138,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.50% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.30% above the California state average of $136,569.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,344 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,320 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$101,446
2025 BLS Actual
$131,844
2026 Current Est.
$138,344
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,446 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,042 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,003 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,164 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $101,446 (2019) to $131,844 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,164 by 2027 — a total increase of $43,718 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $90,293 – $114,938 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,938 – $138,344 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,344 – $157,957 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,957 – $193,481 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Downey
The job market for ultrasound technologists in Downey is buoyed by a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the living costs can affect take-home purchasing power. Larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer higher salaries compared to private practices and community health centers, primarily driven by their resources and benefits structures. Additionally, various factors influence the considerable variance in pay, including shift differentials, specialized credentials, and employer size. Those looking to maximize their ultrasound technologist pay in Downey CA should consider acquiring advanced certifications, seeking roles in larger healthcare establishments, or negotiating for favorable shifts that provide additional compensation. Understanding these dynamics is key to thriving in the local healthcare workforce.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Downey, CA in 2026?
Is Downey, CA a good place to work as a ultrasound technologist?
Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Downey?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ultrasound technologist salary in Downey?
How much does a ultrasound technologist make per hour in Downey?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $131,844 for ultrasound technologistsin the Downey metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Downey is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov