San Jose vs Santa Maria: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between San Jose, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Jose, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $540,014▲ | $499,844 |
| Hourly Rate | $259.62▲ | $240.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $313,208▲ | $289,909 |
| 25th Percentile | $388,810▲ | $359,888 |
| 75th Percentile | $655,824▲ | $611,340 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $780,467▲ | $723,715 |
| Total Employed | 168▲ | 16 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between San Jose and Santa Maria is $40,170 (8.04%). San Jose's median is +22.20% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Jose spans $467,259,Santa Maria spans $433,806. San Jose 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 Jose ($477,466 effective) pays 8.04% 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 Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($540,014/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($780,467)
- ✓Larger job market (168 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $477,466)
- ✓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 Jose grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
San Jose, CA
$549,908 (2024) → $514,299 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$509,002 (2024) → $476,042 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Jose, 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