Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Lakewood, CA: $177,763 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Lakewood, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $177,763/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Lakewood's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $157,173 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior ultrasound technologists in Lakewood, CA, have a substantial earning potential, particularly at the top of the salary spectrum, where 2026 projections indicate the 90th percentile pay reaches $177,763 annually. With a median salary of $133,158 for experienced professionals, the gap between average and top-tier compensation highlights the lucrative opportunities available for those who excel in this field. Achieving such high earnings typically requires not just extensive experience of seven years or more, but also advanced skills and possibly specialized certifications in areas such as vascular or echocardiography. Those looking to maximize their earning potential must be proactive in pursuing opportunities that allow for skill enhancements and leadership roles within their organizations.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Lakewood earn between $147,649 and $177,763 per year (2026 est.). This $81,770 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lakewood median of $133,158 sits 31.38% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Lakewood | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,158 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,649 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $177,763 | $135,748 |
In Lakewood, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 33.50% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Lakewood
Advanced Certifications in California
CA ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $133,158 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lakewood employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Lakewood command premium compensation, often reaching the $147,649–$177,763 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLakewood ranks #124 of 157 California cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $177,763).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Lakewood ($177,763) is 4.1% below the California average P90 ($185,368).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,648
2025 BLS Actual
$169,411
2026 Current Est.
$177,763
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,648 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,944 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,111 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,073 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,296 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,836 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,411 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,763 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $186,527 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Lakewood saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $133,648 in 2019 to $169,411 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 $186,527 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Across employer types, compensation for senior ultrasound technologists in Lakewood varies significantly. Large healthcare organizations often offer more comprehensive salary packages compared to private practices and community health centers. Specializations within the field, such as obstetric and gynecological imaging or cardiac ultrasound, may also command higher pay, reflecting the increased demand for these skills. Transitioning into leadership roles like clinical coordinator or department director can lead to substantial salary increases as well. To enhance their qualifications and earning capacity, professionals should consider pursuing advanced certifications beyond the basic credential, which could further bolster their appeal in a competitive job market. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials, benefits, and the size of the employing organization can significantly influence the total compensation package for experienced ultrasound technologists in Lakewood and across CA.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Lakewood in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Lakewood?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Lakewood?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Lakewood?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Lakewood?
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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 $169,411 for ultrasound technologists in the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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