Radiologic Technologist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Radiologic Technologist Salary: Seattle, WA vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Radiologic Technologists in Seattle, WA and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$71,000 vs $74,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$43,827 vs $39,785
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$40,496 vs $33,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $71,000 | $74,000▲ | -$3,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,670 | $56,980▲ | -$2,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,880 | $94,720▲ | -$3,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $113,600 | $118,400▲ | -$4,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 186 | -24 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 9.3% | -9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,827▲ | $39,785 | +$4,042 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,604▲ | $62,017 | +$3,587 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $40,496▲ | $33,342 | +$7,154 |
| Total Employment | 145,000 | 130,000 | +15,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $3,000 more (median: $71,000 vs $74,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 186), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($43,827 vs $39,785 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.