San Diego vs Santa Maria: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between San Diego, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $529,563▲ | $499,844 |
| Hourly Rate | $254.59▲ | $240.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $307,147▲ | $289,909 |
| 25th Percentile | $381,285▲ | $359,888 |
| 75th Percentile | $663,917▲ | $611,340 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $777,730▲ | $723,715 |
| Total Employed | 307▲ | 16 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between San Diego and Santa Maria is $29,719 (5.95%). 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,Santa Maria spans $433,806. 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 5.95% more than Santa Maria ($441,949 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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$539,266 (2024) → $504,346 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$509,002 (2024) → $476,042 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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