Radiologist Salary in Chula Vista, CA: $515,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Chula Vista, CA earns a median $515,384/year (≈ $247.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Chula Vista's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $455,689 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chula Vista, CA, radiologists can expect a median annual salary of $515,384 in 2026, reflecting the city's unique job market dynamics influenced by the structural divide between private partnerships and hospital W-2 employment models. The salary distribution is notably broad, ranging from $298,922 at the lower end (P10) to $745,650 at the upper end (P90). These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 while accommodating regional cost adjustments. This healthy earning potential underscores the competitive nature of radiology jobs in Chula Vista, where various compensation approaches can considerably affect total pay.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $298,922 | $143.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $371,076 | $178.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $515,384 | $247.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $626,368 | $301.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $745,650 | $358.48 |
Median Salary Position
16.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chula Vista
In Chula Vista, CA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $446,728 (2026 est.). At $515,384, the local median is 16.63% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chula Vista: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chula Vista Radiologist Pay Compares
Chula Vista median: $515,384/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chula Vista Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $499,888 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +16.63% more |
Radiologists in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $515,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.63% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 3.10% above the California state average of $499,888.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chula Vista has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chula Vista, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $515,384 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $455,689 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$403,817
2025 BLS Actual
$490,842
2026 Current Est.
$515,384
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Chula Vista (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $403,817 | Actual |
| 2022 | $424,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $445,208 | Actual |
| 2024 | $524,827 | Actual |
| 2025 | $490,842 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $515,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $541,153 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chula Vista metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $403,817 (2021) to $490,842 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $541,153 by 2027 — a total increase of $137,336 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula Vista 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) | $298,922 – $371,076 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $371,076 – $515,384 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $515,384 – $626,368 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $626,368 – $745,650 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Chula Vista
The job market for radiologists in Chula Vista shows a solid presence with 51 professionals currently employed, offering ample opportunities for both job stability and growth. However, the cost of living is a significant factor, given the area's index of 113.1, suggesting that take-home purchasing power may be impacted. Generally, private radiology group practices, especially those allowing for partnership equity stakes, tend to offer the most competitive salaries, driven by RVU productivity and subspecialty demands. Interventional radiology, for example, commands a premium in the market. Radiologists can maximize their pay by considering teleradiology options for additional income, negotiating with potential employers, and pursuing beneficial call coverage arrangements. Ultimately, understanding these nuances in the radiologist salary in Chula Vista can empower physicians to make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can radiologists make $100K in Chula Vista?
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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
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 $490,842 for radiologistsin the Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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