Bakersfield vs Los Angeles: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Bakersfield, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $535,173▲ | $513,104 |
| Hourly Rate | $257.29▲ | $246.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $310,401▲ | $101,241 |
| 25th Percentile | $385,325▲ | $102,984 |
| 75th Percentile | $650,682▲ | $521,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $774,730▲ | $521,630 |
| Total Employed | 101 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Bakersfield, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Bakersfield and Los Angeles is $22,069 (4.30%). Bakersfield's median is +21.11% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bakersfield spans $464,329,Los Angeles spans $420,389. Bakersfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bakersfield ($473,186 effective) pays 4.73% more than Los Angeles ($451,811 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($535,173/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($774,730)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $473,186)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Bakersfield grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -10.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Bakersfield, CA
$544,979 (2024) → $509,689 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$548,633 (2024) → $488,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bakersfield, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Bakersfield or Los Angeles?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov