Chico vs Los Angeles: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Chico, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,449 | $113,745▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.14 | $54.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,487 | $67,459▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,142 | $91,992▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,697 | $140,499▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,099 | $163,052▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 6,450▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and Los Angeles is $5,296 (4.88%). 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 Chico spans $88,612,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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chico ($107,166 effective) pays 7.00% more than Los Angeles ($100,158 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,166)
- ✓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)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Chico grew 42.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Chico, CA
$72,560 (2019) → $103,000 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$82,110 (2019) → $108,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Chico or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Chico to Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Chico vs Los Angeles?
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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.
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