Radiologic Technologist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Radiologic Technologist Salary: Charlotte, NC vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Radiologic Technologists in Charlotte, NC and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$48,000 vs $74,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Charlotte, NC
$47,059 vs $39,785
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Charlotte, NC
$41,525 vs $33,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $48,000 | $74,000▲ | -$26,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,960 | $56,980▲ | -$20,020 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,440 | $94,720▲ | -$33,280 |
| 90th Percentile | $76,800 | $118,400▲ | -$41,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 186 | -84 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 9.3% | -4.800000000000001% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $47,059▲ | $39,785 | +$7,274 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $42,356 | $62,017▲ | -$19,661 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $41,525▲ | $33,342 | +$8,183 |
| Total Employment | 50,000 | 130,000 | -80,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $26,000 more (median: $48,000 vs $74,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 186), Charlotte, NC provides better purchasing power ($47,059 vs $39,785 equivalent). Charlotte, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 9.3%).
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.