With the advance of technology, the health sector has also been improved in many ways. Best medical sonography schools in San Diego are one of the best places where medical students get the best training, certification and education. The medical sonography program provides trained professionals for the patients who are suffering from any kind of heart disease, brain tumour etc. This health sector is offering various types of job opportunities for students.
Find all the practical and valuable information about Medical Sonography Schools In San Diego, accredited sonography programs in san Diego, accredited sonography programs in California & ultrasound tech san Diego salary.
You will also find up-to-date, recent information on is diagnostic medical sonography programs, an associate of science in diagnostic medical sonography on Collegelearners.
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Start a rewarding career today in one of the Golden State’s top Sonography Technician Schools. You won’t be disappointed with the choice of courses in institutions throughout California; you’ll find some of the best in the most talked-about cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Take your pick from traditional course in the classroom or enjoy online classes from the comfort of home. Your ultrasound technician career starts today!
As a California ultrasound technician, you will:
- Use imaging equipment for procedures such as sonograms or ultrasounds
- Work in a hospital, physician’s office or imaging clinic
- Diagnose medical conditions
- Ensure patient’s needs are met
Some career figures for ultrasound technician professionals in Alaska:
- Average annual salary: $81,750
- Currently employed: 5,320
- Employment outlook: 44% Growth over the next ten years
- Most popular degrees: Associate’s Degree, Professional Certificate
Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database..
CBD College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
3699 Wilshire Blvd
4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Community Regional Medical Center
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Vascular Program
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Pediatric Cardiac Program
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Cardiac Program
2823 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
www.communitymedical.org/careers/Sonography-Programs
Cosumnes River College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
8401 Center Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95823
www.crc.losrios.edu
Cypress College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
9200 Valley View Street
Cypress, CA 90630
www.cypresscollege.edu
Foothill College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
www.foothill.edu
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Cardiac Program
938 Marina Way South
Richmond, CA 94804
www.kpsahs.org
Loma Linda University
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Cardiac Program
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Vascular Program
11234 Anderson St
Room 2455
Loma Linda, CA 92354
www.llu.edu
Merced College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
3600 M Street
Mailstop 37
Merced, CA 95348
www.mccd.edu
Mt. San Jacinto College-Menifee
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
28237 La Piedra Road
Menifee, CA 92584
www.msjc.edu
Orange Coast College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
www.orangecoastcollege.edu
Santa Barbara City College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
721 Cliff Dr.
Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2394
www.sbcc.edu
University of California San Diego Medical Center
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
200 West Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103
www.radtech.ucsd.edu
Sonography Certificate Program in San Diego, CA with Class Info
Sonography Training in San Diego
Those looking for sonography training at the certificate level around San Diego only have one option. To find out about the school’s coursework requirements and explore what training in this field entails, take a look at the following program info. A table of stats for the institution is provided as well to help you make an informed education decision.
- Located about 11 miles away, the University of California – San Diego is around 20 minutes from the city’s downtown area. The school, which was ranked 12th by U.S. News & World Report in the ‘top public schools’ category for 2019, offers a year-long certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography that prepares graduates for professional certification.
School Statistics
You’ve learned about the university’s sonography program; take a moment now to get even more facts about the institution. The table below has details on its costs, acceptance rate, graduation rate and more.
| University of California – San Diego | |
|---|---|
| School Type | Public, 4-year |
| Total Enrollment (2019) | 38,736* |
| Campus Setting | Large city |
| Tuition & Fees (2019 – 2020) | $14,415 in-state; $44,169 out-of-state* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2018 – 2019) | 63%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2019) | 31%* |
| Retention Rate (2019) | 93% for full-time students* |
| Graduation Rate (Students began in 2013) | 87%* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
University of California – San Diego
UCSD is home to a variety of certificate programs in diagnostic imaging through its radiology science department. The nuclear medicine and sonography programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The sonography program is housed at the University of California San Diego Medical Center’s level-one trauma facility.
Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
This 12-month program focuses primarily on the skills needed for general sonography and limited vascular sonography. The program enrolls six students per year. Students must either be graduates of a 2-year radiologic technology program or possess a bachelor’s degree in any field. Students begin classes in January.
Operating since 1979, the sonography program includes didactic and clinical training. Didactic training covers obstetrical, vascular, small parts, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound. Supplementary courses cover ultrasound and Doppler physics as well as other related sciences. The program also entails 32 hours per week of clinical experiences. Students switch between two clinical sites, which host only one sonography student at a time.
Certificate program graduates may qualify to take American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) examinations for a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification in both abdomen and gynecological specialties.Next: View Schools
Ultrasound & Sonography Technologies Guide
Popular Schools
The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.
An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:
- programs & curriculum
- career opportunities
- tuition & financial aid
- admissions & starting dates
- 1DeVry UniversitySchool InfoMinimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED. Eligibility and relevancy of sample programs below will vary by article and programSchool locations:
- Online Learning
- California campus San DiegoProgram InfoOnline and Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
- Associate – Neurodiagnostic TechnologyGet Started with DeVry UniversityWhat is your classroom preference? Select One… On Campus and Online On Campus Online
- 2Grand Canyon UniversitySchool InfoMinimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GEDSchool locations:
- Online LearningProgram InfoOnline Programs
- Master
- MBA in Health Systems ManagementGet Started with Grand Canyon UniversityWhat is your highest level of education? Select One… High School Diploma or GED Some College Associates Degree or over 60 credits Bachelor Degree Master Degree or Higher Still in High School
- 3Purdue University GlobalSchool InfoMinimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED.School locations:
- Online LearningProgram InfoOnline Programs
- Master
- MS in Nursing
- Bachelor
- BS in Nursing – RN-to-BSNGet Started with Purdue University GlobalWhat is your highest level of education completed? Select One… GED High School Diploma Some College (1-19 Semester Credits) Some College (20 or more Semester Credits) Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctoral Degree Still in High School
- 4Southern New Hampshire UniversitySchool InfoMinimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GEDSchool locations:
- Online LearningProgram InfoOnline Programs
- Master
- MS in Healthcare AdministrationGet Started with Southern New Hampshire UniversityWhat is your highest level of education completed? Select One… Still in High School High School Graduate/GED Some College Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree
- 5FortisSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Louisiana campus Baton Rouge
- Tennessee campuses Cookeville, NashvilleProgram InfoClassroom-Based Programs
- Associate
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Non-Degree
- Cardiovascular TechnologyGet Started with FortisWhat is your highest level of education completed? Select One… High School Diploma GED Some College Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate No High School Degree/GED
- 6Touro UniversitySchool InfoMinimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GEDSchool locations:
- Online LearningProgram InfoOnline Programs
- Doctorate
- Doctorate of Physician AssistantGet Started with Touro UniversityWhat is your highest level of education completed? Select One… High School Some College (1-19 semester credits) Some College (20+ semester credits) Associate’s Bachelor’s Master’s Doctorate’s No High School Degree/GED
- 7Penn Foster High SchoolSchool InfoMinimum eligibility requirements:
- Students must be at least 14 years old and have completed the 8th grade.School locations:
- Online LearningProgram InfoOnline Programs
- High School Diploma
- High School DiplomaGet Started with Penn Foster High SchoolWhat is your age? Select One… 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
- 8Liberty UniversitySchool InfoMinimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GEDSchool locations:
- Online LearningProgram InfoOnline Programs
- Doctorate
- Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences: General
- Master
- MA: Medical Sciences: Molecular MedicineGet Started with Liberty UniversityWhat is your highest level of education? Select One… High School Diploma/GED Some College 0-23 credits Associate’s degree Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree Doctoral Degree Still in High School
- 9Western Governors UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- Online LearningProgram InfoOnline ProgramsAreas of study you may find at Western Governors University include:
- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Medical Administrative Services
- Medical Informatics and IllustrationGet Started with Western Governors UniversityResearch Western Governors University’s Programs
- 10Grand Valley State UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- Michigan campus AllendaleProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
- Medical Administrative Services
- Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
- Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
- Athletic Trainer
- Physician Assistant
- Ultrasound and Sonography Technologies
- Nursing Professions
- Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions
What You Need to Know
Individuals interested in earning a certificate in sonography near San Diego have limited options available. There is at least one program offered by a pubilc, four-year university in the area. Through said program, students complete classes over one year that train them in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Applicants to said program must pass a physical exam.
Sonography Certificate Programs in San Diego
University of California – San Diego (UCSD) Health System
The UCSD Health System is the only academic health system in San Diego and the surrounding region and offers a 12-month sonography training program; therefore, the program is highly competitive. Once accepted, you’ll be assigned to local hospitals and receive extensive training in techniques of abdominal, obstetrical, small parts and vascular sonography. Each week in the program consists of 8 hours of classroom study and 32 hours of clinical work. After receiving the certificate, you will be prepared to take several of the exams administered by the ARDMS.
- Program Name: Diagnostic Medical Sonography Training Program
- Program Length: 1 year
- Tuition and Fees: $14,167 per year for in-state students; $43,159 per year for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: 2-year radiology, respiratory therapy or nursing degree, or bachelor’s degree in any field; specific math, science, English and medical-related college classes with grade of ‘C’ or better; 80 hours of patient contact
- Requirements: Physical exam
- School Type: 4-year, public; about 37,887 students, 30,285 undergraduates
Although not a common program, the University of California does offer a certificate in sonography for students in the San Diego area.
Popular Schools
DeVry University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
DeVry University
ASSOCIATE PROGRAMS
- Associate – Neurodiagnostic Technology
Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Grand Canyon University
MASTER
- MBA: Health Systems Management
Purdue University Global responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Purdue University Global
BACHELOR DEGREES
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN-to-BSN
MASTER
- Master of Science in Nursing
Southern New Hampshire University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Southern New Hampshire University
MASTER
- MS Healthcare Administration
- MS in Management – Healthcare
Fortis responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Fortis
ASSOCIATE PROGRAMS
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Radiologic Technology
CERTIFICATES
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Radiologic Technology
Touro University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Touro University
DOCTORAL
- Doctorate of Physician Assistant
Which are the 12 Best Ultrasound Technician Programs in California for 2021?
1) Cypress College – Cypress
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate & Certificate
Cypress College has been consistently ranking as one of the best community colleges in “The Golden State.” Interactive classrooms and well-equipped laboratories at Cypress make pursuing an ultrasound program a rather smooth learning experience.
The College offers an associate and a certificate program in DMS. Both these programs are Silver Star recipients, providing excellent practical training and preparing students for the ARDMS exam. Graduates will be fully prepared to work in acute centers or clinical settings.
Associate: The program spans over two years and requires completion of 78 credits. Coursework includes core courses plus general education courses. Clinical training provides you with the much needed real-world experience.
Certificate: This is a career-changing track for those who already hold a degree in allied healthcare. The curriculum is divided into three semesters and a summer session. Coursework comprises but is not limited to, sonography physics & externship, abdomen scanning, cross-sectional imagining, clinical education, and Doppler techniques. In the last semester, you will go through a review seminar and participate in advanced clinical training.
2) Cosumnes River College – Sacramento
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate & Certificate
Cosumnes River College (CRC), located in Sacramento, has long been considered one of the best diagnostic medical sonography programs in CA. With small-sized classes, it ensures providing personalized education to ensure students are ready to take up challenges in a dynamic healthcare setting.
CRC offers two ultrasound technician training programs, which combine didactic curriculum, laboratory training, and clinical experience.
Associate: This program includes the entire 60-unit coursework as in a certificate program plus additional electives and general education courses. Core ultrasound coursework begins from the first summer semester itself, followed by advanced courses in abdominal, gynecological and obstetrical scanning.
Certificate: This 64-week program is ideally meant for those who have completed an associate or bachelor’s in any allied health career and are looking for a career change. After completing all the required pre-requisite courses, you must complete 60 units to graduate.
3) Loma Linda University – Loma Linda
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type:B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Certificate in Cardiac Sonography
Loma Linda University houses a well-known patient-care facilities that not only serve patients of the Inland Empire but also provide an opportunity for its students to gain real-world experience. The School of Allied Health Professions at LLU offers two programs for aspiring sonographers.
B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography: This 27-month bachelor’s degree program in DMS is a mix of classroom studies and clinical training. Roughly about 20% of the coursework will be online or in a hybrid format. A small class size of 12-14 students guarantees individualized attention. The program starts each summer (June), and you will be required to spend up to 35 hours/week gaining valuable experience in clinical settings.
Certificate in Cardiac Sonography: You can enroll on this certificate program in cardiac sonography if you already hold a degree in any healthcare career. This 12-month course starts every fall and comprises of comprehensive coursework which includes heart hemodynamics, patient treatment, diagnosis, and human anatomy. Before completion of this program, you will be required to clear the ARDMS – SPI exam, and after completion of this program, you will be eligible to take the RDCS exam.
4) CBD College – Los Angeles
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
CBD College added the DMS program in 2013 to its campus, located in Los Angeles.
This ultrasound technician school in California is equipped with mock surgery rooms, computer labs, interactive classrooms, and a state-of-the-art library to optimize learning and achieve a positive academic outcome.
The 22-month associate degree program in diagnostic medical sonography is available with flexible day and evening classes delivered through personalized one-on-one tutoring. The program is a combination of classroom studies, training in imaging center and externship in various clinical settings. You get to learn about the usage of diagnostic imaging equipment, performing ultrasound scanning and maintaining patient records. Upon graduation, you will be fully prepared to work at hospitals, OB/GYN offices, and other imaging centers.
5) Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences – Richmond
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Bachelor of Science (DMS) – General & Cardiac
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Science (KPSAHS) runs with a mission to provide affordable healthcare education in the Northern California region. Equipped with the best medical equipment and learning solutions, the school, first started offering the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in the year 2000.
You can pursue the 18-month BS degree in DMS with an option of choosing from one of the two concentrations – General Sonography and Cardiac Sonography.
General Sonography: You will gain knowledge and skills about the usage of the ultrasonic instrument to diagnose soft tissue organs in the human body, and upon completion of this program you can look for specific general sonographer jobs.
Cardiac Sonography: You will learn about the diagnosis of specific heart and vascular systems using ultrasonic equipment. Graduates of this program will be able to apply for echocardiographers’ positions in medical clinics or acute centers.
*Both these programs take six-academic-quarters to complete and are delivered through informative lectures in classroom settings and extensive practical training in medical clinics/offices and hospitals across Northern California.
6) Santa Barbara City College – Santa Barbara
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Certificate
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is one of the top-ranked community colleges in the country and winner of the Aspen Prize. This ultrasound technician school in California is spread over 74-acres and provides interactive classrooms, dedicated faculty and excellent support services for students.
SBCC offers a 21-month sequential certificate program with rigorous coursework comprising of radiography, imaging, and scanning of different parts of the body, and hands-on clinical experience in a variety of practice settings. This program is ideally meant for those who already have a degree in an allied healthcare field and are seeking a career change. The program starts every fall and prepares you for a thriving and competent career in various healthcare settings.
7) Foothill College – Los Altos Hills
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate & Certificate
Located in Los Altos Hills, Foothill College was established with a vision to provide quality health-care education through innovative learning solutions and extensive hands-on experiences. It is spread over 122-acres and facilitates various learning resources such as libraries, STEM center, laboratories and much more.
Foothill currently offers 2 DMS programs –
Associate: This program requires you to complete a minimum of 90 units which include courses in advance sonography (gynecology and obstetrics). You will also take courses in vascular sonography and pathology.
Certificate: If you already hold an associate or bachelor’s in any allied healthcare field, then you can become an ultrasound technician in just 18 months by completing this 116.5-unit Certificate of Achievement program in DMS. The curriculum includes sonography principles, gynecology, pathology, obstetrics, anatomy, and hands-on clinical experiences. Only 15-20 students are admitted each year. Classes start in September and end one & a half years later in March.
8) University of California San Diego Medical Center – San Diego
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Certificate
UC San Diego Medical Center is an academic hospital and a renowned level 1 trauma center in the San Diego region. It prides in providing top-notch education with a strong emphasis on clinical training and patient care.
To become an ultrasound technician in CA you can consider this certificate program at UC San Diego Medical Center that can be completed in as little as 12 months. It is ideally meant for those who hold a degree in any allied healthcare career and are interested in a career change. Selection is very competitive, and every year only six students are admitted for classes starting once a year in January. Classroom lectures are scheduled once every week for 8 hours, and four days in a week you will participate in 8-hour hands-on clinical training at an affiliated acute center. The clinical rotation will be for six months, and you are guaranteed individual attention with only one student being assigned to one clinical site.
9) Orange Coast College – Costa Mesa
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Orange Coast College (OCC) located in Costa Mesa through its outstanding facilities equipped with the latest technology and experienced faculty is focused on providing employment ready training to help meet the growing demands of the allied healthcare sector.
This 84-unit associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography program at OCC, comprising of 69 core units and 15 general education units will take you four semesters, a summer session and an intersession to complete. The curriculum is a combination of classroom and clinical training, designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills in cross-sectional anatomy, pathology, and usage of the sonography equipment. The program begins in fall every year, and a maximum of 24 students are admitted depending on the clinical facility spaces available.
10) Merced College – Merced
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Certificate
Merced College offers effective and transformative healthcare programs to students
with the motto – ‘Students are our focus, and we are known by their success’.
The full-time certificate program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Merced is meant for those who already hold a degree in any allied health career. The program ensures students are job-ready through rigorous classroom learning, lab work and supervised clinical experience in general sonography. This 49-unit coursework is divided into four semesters and a summer session. While pursuing this program, you will gain knowledge about – ultrasound physics, sonography, and superficial structures. Upon graduation, you can seek employment in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, imaging labs, and other medical centers.
11) Mt. San Jacinto College – Menifee
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Founded in 1962, Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a public community college located in Riverside County. The campus is spread over a 1,700-square mile area, equipped with the latest technology, laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities.
The 60-unit diagnostic medical sonography associate degree program at MSJC will take you four semesters and a summer session to complete. Classes start each fall and curriculum includes fundamentals of sonography, patient care techniques, ultrasound pathology & physics, and extensive clinical experience. Apart from the core courses, you must complete 20 units of prerequisites courses in general education to successfully obtain this degree.
12) Community Regional Medical Center – Fresno
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Certificate (Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Advanced Cardiac Medical Sonography)
Located in Fresno, Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is a private, non-profit healthcare center focused on providing high-quality healthcare services and education. Currently, CRMC runs various patient care centers, four acute centers, and a cancer institute.
CRMC offers two concentrated hospital-based sonography programs –
General Diagnostic Medical Sonography: This 18-month program combines classroom studies, lab training, and clinical experiences at hospitals affiliated with CRMC. It will prepare you for an entry-level position as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Based on the area of your interest, you can pursue this program in either one of the four tracks– General, Adult Cardiac, Pediatric Cardiac, or Vascular. To apply for this program, you need to hold a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree in allied health with a valid license.
Advanced Cardiac Sonography Program: The program is primarily designed for echocardiographers who plan to acquire advanced knowledge and skills. This is a hybrid program, where didactic part of the curriculum is offered 100% online with minimal skype instructions. You will be required to complete a total of 240 hours in clinical internship out of which 120 hours will be at the Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno and the remaining 120 hours can be completed via SKYPE instruction and assigned projects. To apply for this program, you need to hold a bachelor’s or masters in any field, must have RDCS or RCS credential and have at least three years of clinical experience in echocardiography.
Ultrasound Technician Career Information For California – 2021
How Many Ultrasound Techs are Currently Employed in CA?
| 6,770 |
In Which Health Care Settings are Ultrasound Techs Currently Working in California?
Ultrasound techs work in a variety of settings across the state of California. Hospitals and physicians’ offices are the biggest employers, followed by medical and diagnostic laboratories and outpatient care centers. In both hospitals and doctors’ offices, you will utilize your skills to take diagnostic images using a transducer probe, which displays images on a monitor. Then, you will capture these images and send them to the patients’ doctor and work together to find a diagnosis.
| Industry | Number of Ultrasound Technicians |
| Hospitals; State, Local, and Private | 4,062 |
| Offices of Physicians | 1,422 |
| Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories | 745 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 271 |
Top Hospitals in California to Work as an Ultrasound Tech
More than half of the ultrasound techs employed across the state of California work in hospitals, and like any other career, your employer of choice will play an important role in things like your salary, your level of satisfaction, and your overall job security. The top two ultrasound tech employers in CA are the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Centers. These hospitals train some of the top physicians and other medical professionals in the country, and they are quite popular among Californians for this reason. You can count on a high salary and outstanding job security when you choose to work at either location.
Some other major employers of ultrasound technicians in this state include the world-famous Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Stanford Hospital, the UC Davis Medical Center, and the Scripps La Jolla hospital network.
| Rank | Hospital Name | Location |
| 1 | UCSF Medical Center | San Francisco |
| 2 | UCLA Medical Center | Los Angeles |
| 3 | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | Los Angeles |
| 4 | Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital | Stanford |
| 5 | UC Davis Medical Center | Sacramento |
| 6 | Scripps La Jolla Hospitals | La Jolla |
| 7 | Keck Hospital of USC | Los Angeles |
| 8 | Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian | Newport Beach |
| 9 | UC San Diego Health-Jacobs Medical Center | San Diego |
| 10 | Huntington Memorial Hospital | Pasadena |
What is the Average Salary of an Ultrasound Tech in the State of California?
Your ultrasound technician salary in California will be higher than anywhere else in the country. Collectively, the average salary is $44.55 an hour, which translates to $7720 a month or $92,660 a year. California is home to some of the most prestigious hospitals and medical centers in the world, and they have high standards for all their medical professionals. As a result, they compensate well, and you can earn a handsome living – even in a state known for its high cost of living.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $44.55 |
| Monthly | $7,720 |
| Annual | $92,660 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Salary Based on Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
| Less than 1 year (Starting) | $25.71 | $4,460 | $53,490 |
| 1-4 years | $34.67 | $6,010 | $72,100 |
| 5-9 years | $43.93 | $7,620 | $91,380 |
| 10-19 years | $54.46 | $9,440 | $113,270 |
| 20 years or more | $66.33 | $11,500 | $137,970 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Ultrasound Tech Average Salary Comparison: California vs. National
When you choose to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer in California, you will earn a salary that is 25.45% higher than the country’s average. This is due in part to CA’s high cost of living, but your high salary is also a reflection of the state’s dedication to hiring only the best medical professionals to work in its many renowned medical centers.
| California | National | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $92,660 | $73,860 | $18,800 | 25.45% |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Job Outlook
Between 2016 and 2026, some 1500 new ultrasound tech jobs will become available across CA, representing significant occupational growth of 25.86%. This growth will be spurred by two very important factors. First and foremost, changes to state-subsidized health insurance across the state will make health insurance more affordable, which means that more people across the state will seek care.
Second, California’s population is on the rise. It is estimated that the population will climb by just under 1% every single year, leading to a total population of 44.1 million by 2040. When compared to the state’s 2017 population of 39.54 million, there will be five million more people who require medical care. As a result, all medical professions in the state will grow.
| Employment | Employment Growth, 2016-26 | ||
| 2016 | 2026 | Number | Percent |
| 5,800 | 7,300 | 1,500 | 25.86% |
| (Source: careeronestop) |
Annual Job Openings
| New | Replacement | Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement) |
| 150 | 340 | 490 |
| (Source: careeronestop) |
Metro Wise Employment & Salary Data
Some metropolitan areas across California pay much more than others, so it is important to keep this in mind when choosing a career so you can decide how far you are willing to commute. To put this into perspective, ultrasound technicians who work in the Salinas metropolitan area – a very well-to-do and affluent part of the state – earn an average annual income of $114,250, which is nearly 21% higher than the state’s average and a whopping 43% more than the national average.
On the other hand, those who work in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metro earn much less at $83,890. This is still nearly 13% higher than the national average, but it is nearly 10% less than the state’s average income for ultrasound techs. This tremendous difference in pay between metro areas has to do with factors such as the community’s local economy and the population. While places like San Bernardino might offer low-cost healthcare in the inner city community, Salinas is far more prosperous.
| Metro | Employment | Average Salary | ||
| Hourly | Monthly | Annual | ||
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | 2,210 | $42.46 | $7,360 | $88,320 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | 1,010 | $50.12 | $8,690 | $104,250 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | 590 | $40.33 | $6,990 | $83,890 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad | 520 | $44.93 | $7,790 | $93,450 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade | 510 | $50.22 | $8,700 | $104,450 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | 390 | $46.49 | $8,060 | $96,700 |
| Modesto | 170 | $40.41 | $7,000 | $84,050 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield | 170 | $45.92 | $7,960 | $95,500 |
| Fresno | 160 | $42.82 | $7,420 | $89,070 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | 150 | $36.72 | $6,360 | $76,370 |
| Bakersfield | 130 | $40.43 | $7,010 | $84,090 |
| Stockton-Lodi | 100 | $49.45 | $8,570 | $102,860 |
| Santa Rosa | 70 | $46.33 | $8,030 | $96,360 |
| Visalia-Porterville | 70 | $35.35 | $6,130 | $73,530 |
| Chico | 60 | $37.16 | $6,440 | $77,300 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande | 60 | $38.13 | $6,610 | $79,300 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | 60 | $44.08 | $7,640 | $91,690 |
| Salinas | 40 | $54.93 | $9,520 | $114,250 |
| Redding | 30 | $46.88 | $8,130 | $97,510 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | 30 | $53.52 | $9,280 | $111,320 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
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