Lake Forest vs San Jose: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Lake Forest, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $490,698 | $540,014▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $235.91 | $259.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $284,605 | $313,208▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $353,302 | $388,810▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $595,136 | $655,824▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $698,032 | $780,467▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 168▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Forest.
The salary gap between Lake Forest and San Jose is $49,316 (10.05%). San Jose's median is +22.20% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Forest spans $413,427,San Jose spans $467,259. San Jose has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Jose ($477,466 effective) pays 10.05% more than Lake Forest ($433,862 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Forest if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($540,014/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($780,467)
- ✓Larger job market (168 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $477,466)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Lake Forest grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Lake Forest, CA
$499,689 (2024) → $467,331 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$549,908 (2024) → $514,299 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Forest, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Lake Forest or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Forest and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Lake Forest to San Jose as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Lake Forest vs San Jose?
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