Radiography Tech Salary

Encinitas vs San Francisco: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Encinitas, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Encinitas, CA
$116,640
$56.08/hr
San Francisco, CA
$149,280
$71.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEncinitas, CASan Francisco, CA
Median Salary$116,640$149,280
Hourly Rate$56.08$71.78
Entry Level (P10)$81,529$94,740
25th Percentile$93,507$124,727
75th Percentile$142,543$178,582
Top Earner (P90)$169,252$186,153
Total Employed162,850
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Encinitas ($116,640) and San Francisco ($149,280) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.EncinitasSan FranciscoMedian Salary$116,640$149,280Entry Level (P10)$81,529$94,740Top Earner (P90)$169,252$186,153US Median $84,348

Verdict

San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Encinitas.

The salary gap between Encinitas and San Francisco is $32,640 (27.98%). San Francisco's median is +76.98% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Encinitas spans $87,723,San Francisco spans $91,413. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Encinitas
P10 (Entry)$81,529
P25$93,507
Median$116,640
P75$142,543
P90 (Top)$169,252
San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$94,740
P25$124,727
Median$149,280
P75$178,582
P90 (Top)$186,153

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($129,120 effective) pays 25.20% more than Encinitas ($103,130 effective).

Encinitas
Nominal: $116,640
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $103,130
San Francisco
Nominal: $149,280
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $129,120

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Encinitas if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Francisco if…

  • Higher median salary ($149,280/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($186,153)
  • Larger job market (2,850 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,120)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Encinitas grew -5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.9% growth in San Francisco over the same period.

Encinitas, CA

+-5.2%

$116,817 (2024) → $110,780 (2025)

San Francisco, CA

+35.9%

$104,360 (2019) → $141,780 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Encinitas or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $149,280/year, compared to Encinitas at $116,640/year — a difference of $32,640 (27.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Encinitas and San Francisco?

Encinitas radiologic technologist and technicians earn $56.08/hr while San Francisco hygienists earn $71.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Encinitas to San Francisco as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Encinitas and San Francisco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Encinitas = $103,130, San Francisco = $129,120), job availability (16 vs 2,850 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Encinitas vs San Francisco?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $81,529 in Encinitas and $94,740 in San Francisco. The San Francisco 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