Radiologist Salary in Brea, CA: $474,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Brea, CA earns a median $474,192/year (≈ $227.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Brea's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $419,268 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $474,192 in 2026, radiologists in Brea, California, enjoy competitive compensation compared to their peers nationwide, who average $441,903. The local salary range extends from $275,031 at the 10th percentile to $657,406 at the 90th percentile, showcasing significant earnings potential based on subspecialty expertise and experience. Brea’s radiology market reflects a mix of subspecialties, including interventional radiology, general diagnostics, and breast imaging, each likely influencing individual pay scales. Local estimates from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, indicate that these salaries are well aligned with regional economic factors and demand for services in the area.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $275,031 | $132.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $341,418 | $164.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $474,192 | $227.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $569,384 | $273.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $657,406 | $316.06 |
Median Salary Position
7.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
In Brea, CA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $382,375 (2026 est.). At $474,192, the local median is 7.31% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brea: You'd be above the median
How Brea Radiologist Pay Compares
Brea median: $474,192/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $499,675 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | +7.31% more |
Radiologists in Brea, CA earn a median of $474,192 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 5.10% below the California state average of $499,675.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brea has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brea, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $474,192 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $419,268 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$371,541
2025 BLS Actual
$451,611
2026 Current Est.
$474,192
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Brea (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $371,541 | Actual |
| 2022 | $390,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $409,624 | Actual |
| 2024 | $482,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $451,611 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $474,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $497,901 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brea metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $371,541 (2021) to $451,611 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $497,901 by 2027 — a total increase of $126,360 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.00% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $275,031 – $341,418 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $341,418 – $474,192 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $474,192 – $569,384 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $569,384 – $657,406 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Brea
The job market for radiologists in Brea features a small but stable workforce of 10 professionals, which influences local pay dynamics. With a cost of living index of 113.1, which is above the national average, the higher salaries in Brea must be viewed in the context of purchasing power. Employers in this area include private radiology group practices and hospital departments, with private practice often offering greater financial rewards through partnership paths. Factors such as RVU productivity, subspecialty focus—particularly interventional radiology which commands higher rates—and the differences between partnership equity and W-2 employment structures all contribute to the variations in pay. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing niches like interventional radiology, engaging in teleradiology opportunities, or establishing a stake within a partnership can enhance work satisfaction and financial benefits in Brea’s competitive landscape.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologists make in Brea, CA in 2026?
Is Brea, CA a good place to work as a radiologist?
Can radiologists make $100K in Brea?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologist salary in Brea?
How much does a radiologist make per hour in Brea?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $451,611 for radiologistsin the Brea metropolitan area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologists (SOC 29-1224).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov