Radiologist Salary in Santa Ana, CA: $529,548 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Santa Ana, CA earns a median $529,548/year (≈ $254.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Santa Ana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $468,212 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologists in Santa Ana, California, can expect a median annual salary of $529,548, significantly higher than the national average of $441,903, translating to an impressive 19.83% premium for local practitioners. The salary range for this role is extensive, with the lowest earners making $307,138 and the highest reaching as much as $773,526. These figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living differences, which is reflected in Santa Ana’s cost of living index of 113.1. With the increasing reliance on teleradiology providing opportunities for additional income, the effective hourly compensation for radiologists becomes even more attractive, enhancing the overall job market for these specialists in the area.
About the Santa Ana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $307,138 | $147.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $381,274 | $183.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $529,548 | $254.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $649,155 | $312.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $773,526 | $371.89 |
Median Salary Position
19.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Ana
In Santa Ana, CA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $466,388 (2026 est.). At $529,548, the local median is 19.83% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Ana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Ana Radiologist Pay Compares
Santa Ana median: $529,548/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Ana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $499,573 | +6.00% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +19.83% more |
Radiologists in Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $529,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.83% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 6.00% above the California state average of $499,573.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Ana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Ana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $529,548 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $468,212 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$414,914
2025 BLS Actual
$504,331
2026 Current Est.
$529,548
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Santa Ana (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $414,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $435,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $457,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $539,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $504,331 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $529,548 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $556,025 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Ana metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $414,914 (2021) to $504,331 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $556,025 by 2027 — a total increase of $141,111 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Ana 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) | $307,138 – $381,274 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $381,274 – $529,548 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $529,548 – $649,155 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $649,155 – $773,526 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Santa Ana
The Santa Ana market for radiologists includes 69 professionals currently employed, reflecting a stable local healthcare system. However, the cost of living, elevated compared to the national average, affects purchasing power, necessitating competitive salaries. Private radiology group practices typically yield the highest compensation, especially for those with partnership equity, as they can command additional earnings through RVU productivity and subspecialization in interventional radiology, which may offer a premium of 30-50%. Moreover, opportunities in academic centers and teleradiology firms can also contribute to overall income. To maximize earnings in this market, it’s advisable for radiologists to negotiate for partnership opportunities, remain open to weekend or night shift coverage, and explore teleradiology roles that enhance supplemental income. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for navigating the radiologist pay landscape in Santa Ana, CA.
More salary data for Santa Ana, 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
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 $504,331 for radiologistsin the Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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