Radiologic Technologist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Radiologic Technologist Salary: Denver, CO vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Radiologic Technologists in Denver, CO and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$57,000 vs $74,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$44,531 vs $39,785
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Denver, CO
$39,337 vs $33,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $57,000 | $74,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,890 | $56,980▲ | -$13,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,960 | $94,720▲ | -$21,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,200 | $118,400▲ | -$27,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 186 | -58 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4%▲ | 9.3% | -4.9% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $44,531▲ | $39,785 | +$4,746 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $50,351 | $62,017▲ | -$11,666 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $39,337▲ | $33,342 | +$5,995 |
| Total Employment | 70,000 | 130,000 | -60,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $17,000 more (median: $57,000 vs $74,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 186), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($44,531 vs $39,785 equivalent). Denver, CO has the lower state tax rate (4.4% 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.