San Diego vs San Luis Obispo: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between San Diego, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $529,563▲ | $487,029 |
| Hourly Rate | $254.59▲ | $234.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $307,147▲ | $282,476 |
| 25th Percentile | $381,285▲ | $350,661 |
| 75th Percentile | $663,917▲ | $589,540 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $777,730▲ | $682,989 |
| Total Employed | 307▲ | 10 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Luis Obispo.
The salary gap between San Diego and San Luis Obispo is $42,534 (8.73%). San Diego's median is +19.84% 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,San Luis Obispo spans $400,513. San Diego 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, San Diego ($468,225 effective) pays 8.73% more than San Luis Obispo ($430,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($529,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($777,730)
- ✓Larger job market (307 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $468,225)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Luis Obispo if…
- ✓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 San Luis Obispo over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$539,266 (2024) → $504,346 (2025)
San Luis Obispo, CA
$495,952 (2024) → $463,837 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: San Diego or San Luis Obispo?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Luis Obispo?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Luis Obispo as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in San Diego vs San Luis Obispo?
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