Mission Viejo vs San Francisco: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Mission Viejo, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mission Viejo, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $504,434▲ | $111,300 |
| Hourly Rate | $242.52▲ | $53.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $292,572▲ | $111,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $363,192▲ | $111,300 |
| 75th Percentile | $598,333▲ | $141,152 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $695,135▲ | $593,208 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Mission Viejo, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between Mission Viejo and San Francisco is $393,134 (353.22%). Mission Viejo's median is +14.15% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mission Viejo spans $402,563,San Francisco spans $481,908. San Francisco 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, Mission Viejo ($446,007 effective) pays 363.29% more than San Francisco ($96,269 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mission Viejo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($504,434/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($695,135)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $446,007)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Mission Viejo grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -80.8% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Mission Viejo, CA
$513,676 (2024) → $480,413 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$553,294 (2024) → $106,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mission Viejo, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Mission Viejo or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mission Viejo and San Francisco?
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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