Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Pasadena, TX: $134,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Pasadena, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $134,343/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Pasadena's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $139,941 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Top-tier salaries for experienced ultrasound technologists in Pasadena, Texas, provide a compelling incentive for professionals aiming to elevate their careers in this field. In 2026, the potential for top earners goes as high as $134,343 annually, with the 75th percentile earning around $110,736. Such figures create a notable gap between the median salary of $98,483 and the earnings of those at the upper echelons, highlighting the financial rewards available to seasoned practitioners. Achieving this level of compensation often requires dedication to advanced specializations, continuous education, and the development of leadership skills within healthcare institutions.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Pasadena earn between $110,736 and $134,343 per year (2026 est.). This $64,356 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pasadena median of $98,483 sits 2.83% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Pasadena | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $98,483 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,736 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $134,343 | $135,748 |
In Pasadena, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 36.41% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Pasadena
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $98,483 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pasadena employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Pasadena command premium compensation, often reaching the $110,736–$134,343 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 Texas 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 Pasadena
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPasadena ranks #6 of 109 Texas cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $134,343).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Pasadena ($134,343) is 16.11% above the Texas average P90 ($115,707).
2019 BLS Actual
$101,004
2025 BLS Actual
$128,031
2026 Current Est.
$134,343
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,004 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,598 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,615 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,096 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,966 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Pasadena saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $101,004 in 2019 to $128,031 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 $140,966 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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 Pasadena
In Pasadena, various factors impact the compensation landscape for senior ultrasound technologists. Specializations such as echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, and obstetric ultrasound can command higher salaries, reflective of their complexity and the expertise required. Compensation levels also vary significantly depending on the employer type; private practices may offer different packages compared to large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, which often provide benefits that enhance total compensation. For those looking to advance, roles such as lead practitioner, clinical coordinator, or even departmental director are viable paths that can further expand earning potential. Furthermore, obtaining advanced credentials or state licensures can provide additional salary boosts. Beyond direct salary, factors like shift differentials for less popular hours and comprehensive benefits packages from larger institutions can greatly influence overall job satisfaction and compensation in Pasadena's healthcare market.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Pasadena in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Pasadena?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Pasadena?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Pasadena?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Pasadena?
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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 $128,031 for ultrasound technologists in the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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