Radiologic Technologist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Radiologic Technologist Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Radiologic Technologists in Phoenix, AZ and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$51,000 vs $74,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$49,515 vs $39,785
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$44,608 vs $33,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $51,000 | $74,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,270 | $56,980▲ | -$17,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,280 | $94,720▲ | -$29,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $81,600 | $118,400▲ | -$36,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 186 | -83 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5%▲ | 9.3% | -6.800000000000001% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $49,515▲ | $39,785 | +$9,730 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $45,946 | $62,017▲ | -$16,071 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $44,608▲ | $33,342 | +$11,266 |
| Total Employment | 62,500 | 130,000 | -67,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $23,000 more (median: $51,000 vs $74,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 186), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($49,515 vs $39,785 equivalent). Phoenix, AZ has the lower state tax rate (2.5% 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.