Radiography Tech Salary

Brea vs Los Angeles: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Brea, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brea, CA
$109,287
$52.54/hr
Los Angeles, CA
$113,745
$54.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrea, CALos Angeles, CA
Median Salary$109,287$113,745
Hourly Rate$52.54$54.69
Entry Level (P10)$79,589$67,459
25th Percentile$89,660$91,992
75th Percentile$134,493$140,499
Top Earner (P90)$158,810$163,052
Total Employed106,450
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brea ($109,287) and Los Angeles ($113,745) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.BreaLos AngelesMedian Salary$109,287$113,745Entry Level (P10)$79,589$67,459Top Earner (P90)$158,810$163,052US Median $84,348

Verdict

Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brea.

The salary gap between Brea and Los Angeles is $4,458 (4.08%). Los Angeles's median is +34.85% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brea spans $79,221,Los Angeles spans $95,593. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Brea
P10 (Entry)$79,589
P25$89,660
Median$109,287
P75$134,493
P90 (Top)$158,810
Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$67,459
P25$91,992
Median$113,745
P75$140,499
P90 (Top)$163,052

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($100,158 effective) pays 3.65% more than Brea ($96,629 effective).

Brea
Nominal: $109,287
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $96,629
Los Angeles
Nominal: $113,745
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $100,158

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brea if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Higher median salary ($113,745/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($163,052)
  • Larger job market (6,450 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,158)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Brea grew -5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.

Brea, CA

+-5.2%

$109,453 (2024) → $103,796 (2025)

Los Angeles, CA

+31.6%

$82,110 (2019) → $108,030 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Brea or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $113,745/year, compared to Brea at $109,287/year — a difference of $4,458 (4.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brea and Los Angeles?

Brea radiologic technologist and technicians earn $52.54/hr while Los Angeles hygienists earn $54.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brea to Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brea and Los Angeles. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brea = $96,629, Los Angeles = $100,158), job availability (10 vs 6,450 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Brea vs Los Angeles?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $79,589 in Brea and $67,459 in Los Angeles. The Brea area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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 Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov