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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Sonographer in California is $122,882 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Chief Sonographer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chief Sonographer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $133,054 | $11,088 | $2,559 | $64 |
| Average | $122,882 | $10,240 | $2,363 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,681 | $9,390 | $2,167 | $54 |
Cone Health - SPRING VALLEY, NC
Marriott - JERE BAXTER, TN
MSTechnology - OAK RIDGE, TN
Mission Pet Health - HOMEWOOD, AL
A Chief Sonographer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Sonographers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Chief Sonographer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Chief Sonographer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Chief Sonographer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $147,458 | $71.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Chief Sonographer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $133,054 | $11,088 | $2,559 | $64 |
| Average | $122,882 | $10,240 | $2,363 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,681 | $9,390 | $2,167 | $54 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chief Sonographer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
MasTec
HIGHLAND PARK, TX
MasTec | HIGHLAND PARK, TX
MasTec seeks a Chief Estimator to lead complex bid and estimating efforts for large energy and utility infrastructure projects. In this role, you will over... more
8 Days Ago
Intermountain Health
LOCKWOOD, MT
Intermountain Health | LOCKWOOD, MT
Intermountain Healthcare, a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Utah, is seeking an experienced Sonographer to join our dedicated team. Our sonographe... more
5 Days Ago
UCHealth
STRATMOOR HILLS, CO
UCHealth | STRATMOOR HILLS, CO
UCHealth, a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Colorado, is seeking a skilled Sonographer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be respons... more
6 Days Ago
UCHealth
SOUTHGLENN, CO
UCHealth | SOUTHGLENN, CO
UCHealth, a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Colorado, is seeking a skilled Sonographer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be respons... more
6 Days Ago
UCHealth
GLENDALE, CO
UCHealth | GLENDALE, CO
UCHealth, a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Colorado, is seeking a skilled Sonographer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be respons... more
6 Days Ago
UCHealth
FALCON, CO
UCHealth | FALCON, CO
UCHealth, a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Colorado, is seeking a skilled Sonographer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be respons... more
6 Days Ago
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