Radiologic Technologist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Radiologic Technologist Salary: Houston, TX vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Radiologic Technologists in Houston, TX and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$54,000 vs $74,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Houston, TX
$50,467 vs $39,785
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Houston, TX
$46,632 vs $33,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $54,000 | $74,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,580 | $56,980▲ | -$15,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,120 | $94,720▲ | -$25,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,400 | $118,400▲ | -$32,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 186 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 9.3% | -9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $50,467▲ | $39,785 | +$10,682 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $49,896 | $62,017▲ | -$12,121 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $46,632▲ | $33,342 | +$13,290 |
| Total Employment | 70,000 | 130,000 | -60,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Houston, TX minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $20,000 more (median: $54,000 vs $74,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 186), Houston, TX provides better purchasing power ($50,467 vs $39,785 equivalent). Houston, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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.