Radiologic Technologist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Radiologic Technologist Salary: San Diego, CA vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Radiologic Technologists in San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$61,000 vs $74,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ San Diego, CA
$40,132 vs $39,785
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ San Diego, CA
$33,633 vs $33,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $61,000 | $74,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,970 | $56,980▲ | -$10,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,080 | $94,720▲ | -$16,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,600 | $118,400▲ | -$20,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 186 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3%▲ | 9.3% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $40,132▲ | $39,785 | +$347 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $51,122 | $62,017▲ | -$10,895 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $33,633▲ | $33,342 | +$291 |
| Total Employment | 60,000 | 130,000 | -70,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $13,000 more (median: $61,000 vs $74,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 186), San Diego, CA provides better purchasing power ($40,132 vs $39,785 equivalent). San Francisco, CA has the lower state tax rate (9.3% 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.