San Diego vs West Sacramento: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between San Diego, CA and West Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | West Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $529,563▲ | $492,044 |
| Hourly Rate | $254.59▲ | $236.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $307,147▲ | $285,386 |
| 25th Percentile | $381,285▲ | $354,271 |
| 75th Percentile | $663,917▲ | $598,374 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $777,730▲ | $702,623 |
| Total Employed | 307▲ | 9 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Sacramento.
The salary gap between San Diego and West Sacramento is $37,519 (7.63%). 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,West Sacramento spans $417,237. 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 7.63% more than West Sacramento ($435,052 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 West Sacramento 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 West Sacramento over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$539,266 (2024) → $504,346 (2025)
West Sacramento, CA
$501,059 (2024) → $468,613 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
West Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: San Diego or West Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and West Sacramento?
Should I relocate from San Diego to West Sacramento as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in San Diego vs West Sacramento?
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