Ultrasound Technologist Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA: $131,257 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in San Luis Obispo, CA earns a median $131,257/year (≈ $63.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in San Luis Obispo's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.6), that paycheck buys what $120,867 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, ultrasound technologists in San Luis Obispo, California, can expect a median annual salary of $131,257, significantly higher than the national median of $101,352, reflecting a 29.51% premium. The salary range is diverse, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $67,680 (P10) and experienced professionals earning up to $160,008 (P90). This information is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and indicates a strong demand for skilled ultrasound technologists in this region. The competitive salary landscape speaks volumes about the healthcare market in San Luis Obispo, which likely benefits from a combination of local healthcare needs and limited provider supply.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,680 | $32.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,552 | $39.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,257 | $63.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,404 | $67.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,008 | $76.92 |
Median Salary Position
29.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Luis Obispo
In San Luis Obispo, CA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,328 (2026 est.). At $131,257, the local median is 29.51% above the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in San Luis Obispo: You'd be above the median
How San Luis Obispo Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
San Luis Obispo median: $131,257/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Luis Obispo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,584 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +29.51% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in San Luis Obispo, CA earn a median of $131,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.51% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 3.90% below the California state average of $136,584.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Luis Obispo has a cost of living 8.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Luis Obispo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 108.596 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $131,257 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,867 — a 7.92% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,460
2025 BLS Actual
$125,090
2026 Current Est.
$131,257
2019–2027 Growth
+63.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in San Luis Obispo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,257 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,728 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Luis Obispo metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 48.1% from $84,460 (2019) to $125,090 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,728 by 2027 — a total increase of $53,268 (63.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Luis Obispo 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) | $67,680 – $81,552 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,552 – $131,257 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,257 – $141,404 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,404 – $160,008 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in San Luis Obispo
Examining the local job market, there are currently 40 ultrasound technologists employed in San Luis Obispo, which suggests a targeted yet niche demand for these professionals. However, the cost of living index of 108.596 signifies that living expenses are above the national average, potentially impacting take-home purchasing power. Among employers, large healthcare organizations generally offer the highest compensation, while private practices and community health centers may provide less. Variations in the ultrasound technologist pay in San Luis Obispo, CA, are influenced by factors like shift differentials, specialty credentials, and benefits structures. To enhance their pay potential, professionals in this market should consider pursuing advanced certifications and gaining experience in high-demand specialties, allowing them to position themselves more favorably for lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for San Luis Obispo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in San Luis Obispo, CA in 2026?
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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
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 $125,090 for ultrasound technologistsin the San Luis Obispo 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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