Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Brea, CA: $170,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Brea, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $170,537/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Brea's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $150,784 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those aiming for top-tier earnings, the experienced ultrasound technologist salary in Brea, California, presents compelling opportunities. The projected 2026 annual salary for seasoned professionals can reach as high as $170,537, with a median of $129,631 indicating a significant variance in pay levels. This disparity illustrates the large potential gain for those who excel in high-demand specialties or take on leadership roles within healthcare facilities. Moreover, the earnings for top ultrasound technologist salaries in Brea are well above the national median of $101,352, demonstrating a 27.90% premium that reflects the competitive nature of the California market. Achieving this upper echelon of pay often requires not only experience but also advanced certifications and continuous professional development to adapt to evolving technologies in ultrasound imaging.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Brea earn between $143,490 and $170,537 per year (2026 est.). This $75,684 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brea median of $129,631 sits 27.9% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Brea | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $129,631 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,490 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $170,537 | $135,748 |
In Brea, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 31.56% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Brea
Advanced Certifications in California
CA ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $129,631 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brea employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Brea command premium compensation, often reaching the $143,490–$170,537 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brea metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ultrasound technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ultrasound technologists in Brea with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Ultrasound Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Brea
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrea ranks #148 of 157 California cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $170,537).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Brea ($170,537) is 8% below the California average P90 ($185,368).
2019 BLS Actual
$128,216
2025 BLS Actual
$162,525
2026 Current Est.
$170,537
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,701 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,339 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,105 | Actual |
| 2024 | $180,121 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,525 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,945 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Brea saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $128,216 in 2019 to $162,525 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.93% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $178,945 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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.
Maximizing Your Ultrasound Technologist Earnings in Brea
Senior ultrasound technologist pay in CA is influenced by several factors, especially the specific area of expertise one chooses to pursue. Those specializing in fields like cardiology or obstetrics can command higher salaries due to the advanced skills required and the critical nature of these services. Pay structures also differ significantly based on the type of employer; private practices may offer flexible conditions or individual negotiations, while large healthcare organizations typically provide structured pay scales and benefits that support professional growth. For senior practitioners, advancement opportunities are abundant, with career paths that may lead to roles such as lead practitioner or clinical coordinator. Additional credentials, including state licensure and advanced certifications from recognized professional bodies, can significantly enhance earning potential in Brea. Furthermore, senior ultrasound technologists may benefit from various non-salary compensation elements, such as shift differentials and comprehensive benefits packages, making the overall compensation not just competitive but also appealing in determining long-term career satisfaction.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Brea in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Brea?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Brea?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Brea?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Brea?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $162,525 for ultrasound technologists in the Brea metro area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea 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