San Francisco vs Long Beach: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Long Beach, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,300 | $514,807▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.51 | $247.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $111,300 | $298,587▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,300 | $370,661▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,152 | $647,949▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $593,208 | $780,101▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 89 |
Verdict
Long Beach, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Long Beach is $403,507 (362.54%). Long Beach's median is +16.50% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $481,908,Long Beach spans $481,514. San Francisco 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, Long Beach ($455,179 effective) pays 372.82% 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 San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Long Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($514,807/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($780,101)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $455,179)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in San Francisco grew -80.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.6% growth in Long Beach over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$553,294 (2024) → $106,000 (2025)
Long Beach, CA
$536,172 (2024) → $490,292 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Long Beach, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: San Francisco or Long Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Long Beach?
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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