Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The median pay for a diagnostic medical sonographers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $151,980/year ($73.07/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $96K at the entry level to $169K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.9), so that salary is closer to $138,289 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $4,214/month — about 47% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $152K get you in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
About diagnostic medical sonographers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers (10th percentile) start around $96K. Mid-career wages sit at $152K.Top earners bring in $169K or more - a $73K spread from bottom to top.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $122K | +37% | 220 |
| California | $121K | +35% | 9,240 |
| Oregon | $108K | +21% | 1,160 |
| Washington | $107K | +20% | 2,060 |
| District of Columbia | $106K | +19% | 180 |
| Massachusetts | $104K | +17% | 2,120 |
| Alaska | $103K | +15% | 240 |
| Connecticut | $103K | +15% | 1,030 |
| New York | $102K | +14% | 7,080 |
| Vermont | $102K | +14% | 130 |
| Minnesota | $101K | +13% | 1,510 |
| Arizona | $101K | +13% | 1,790 |
| Wisconsin | $101K | +13% | 1,480 |
| New Hampshire | $100K | +12% | 330 |
| New Jersey | $100K | +12% | 3,160 |
Track diagnostic medical sonographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Cruz-Watsonville numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median is $151,980 a year - that works out to about $73.07 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $96,170, and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers can clear $169,010. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $152K enough to live in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,697/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $4,214/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 48.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a diagnostic medical sonographers salary go in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville has a Regional Price Parity of 109.9 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median diagnostic medical sonographers salary is worth about $138,289 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do diagnostic medical sonographers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.