Chico vs Los Angeles: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Chico, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $500,046 | $513,104▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $240.41 | $246.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $290,027▲ | $101,241 |
| 25th Percentile | $360,032▲ | $102,984 |
| 75th Percentile | $612,217▲ | $521,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $723,109▲ | $521,630 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and Los Angeles is $13,058 (2.61%). Los Angeles's median is +16.11% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $433,082,Los Angeles spans $420,389. Chico 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, Los Angeles ($451,811 effective) pays 2.19% more than Chico ($442,127 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($723,109)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($513,104/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $451,811)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Chico grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -10.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Chico, CA
$509,208 (2024) → $476,234 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$548,633 (2024) → $488,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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