California ranks 2nd of 51 states and D.C. for diagnostic medical sonographers pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($122,030) by $1,190 — a 1% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $58,240 to $173,790 — a $115,550 spread, 98% wider than the national $58,410 range.
California employs roughly 10.7% of all diagnostic medical sonographers in the country (9,240 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $58,240 | $28.00 |
| 25th percentile | $86,040 | $41.37 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $120,840 | $58.09 |
| 75th percentile | $154,790 | $74.42 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $173,790 | $83.55 |
| Mean (average) | $118,950 | $57.19 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $120,840 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $122,030 | +1% |
| Oregon | $108,230 | -10% |
| Washington | $107,360 | -11% |
| District of Columbia | $106,130 | -12% |
| Colorado | $104,810 | -13% |
| Massachusetts | $104,130 | -14% |
| Alaska | $103,160 | -15% |
| Connecticut | $102,850 | -15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | $121,080 | 22,940 |
| Commercial Pilots | $122,100 | 5,530 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $122,140 | 11,900 |
| Producers and Directors | $122,150 | 35,650 |
| Occupational Therapists | $119,470 | 12,020 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $122,520 | 11,070 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Diagnostic Medical Sonographers salary in California?
The mean diagnostic medical sonographers salary in California is $118,950 per year. The median (middle) salary is $120,840 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in California?
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $58,240 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $86,040 per year.
What is the highest Diagnostic Medical Sonographers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $173,790 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $154,790 per year.
How does the California Diagnostic Medical Sonographers salary compare to the national average?
The median diagnostic medical sonographers salary in California is $120,840, which is +35% above national average of $89,340.