San Diego vs Fresno: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between San Diego, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $529,563 | $538,934▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $254.59 | $259.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $307,147 | $312,582▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $381,285 | $388,032▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $663,917 | $674,232▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $777,730 | $812,587▲ |
| Total Employed | 307▲ | 84 |
Verdict
Fresno, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Fresno is $9,371 (1.77%). Fresno's median is +21.96% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $470,583,Fresno spans $500,005. Fresno 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, Fresno ($476,511 effective) pays 1.77% more than San Diego ($468,225 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (307 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($538,934/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($812,587)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $476,511)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in San Diego grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Fresno over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$539,266 (2024) → $504,346 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$548,809 (2024) → $513,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: San Diego or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Fresno?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Fresno as a radiologist?
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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