Lake Elsinore vs Los Angeles: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Lake Elsinore, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Elsinore, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $498,259 | $513,104▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $239.55 | $246.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $288,990▲ | $101,241 |
| 25th Percentile | $358,746▲ | $102,984 |
| 75th Percentile | $584,311▲ | $521,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $722,739▲ | $521,630 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Elsinore.
The salary gap between Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles is $14,845 (2.98%). 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 Lake Elsinore spans $433,749,Los Angeles spans $420,389. Lake Elsinore 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 2.56% more than Lake Elsinore ($440,547 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Elsinore if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($722,739)
- ✓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 Lake Elsinore grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -10.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lake Elsinore, CA
$507,388 (2024) → $474,532 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$548,633 (2024) → $488,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Elsinore, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Lake Elsinore or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Lake Elsinore to Los Angeles as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Lake Elsinore vs Los Angeles?
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