Radiography Tech Salary

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

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

Los Angeles, CA
$113,745
$54.69/hr
Sunnyvale, CA
$166,870
$80.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLos Angeles, CASunnyvale, CA
Median Salary$113,745$166,870
Hourly Rate$54.69$80.23
Entry Level (P10)$67,459$114,520
25th Percentile$91,992$132,583
75th Percentile$140,499$209,516
Top Earner (P90)$163,052$253,843
Total Employed6,45026
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Los Angeles ($113,745) and Sunnyvale ($166,870) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.Los AngelesSunnyvaleMedian Salary$113,745$166,870Entry Level (P10)$67,459$114,520Top Earner (P90)$163,052$253,843US Median $84,348

Verdict

Sunnyvale, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.

The salary gap between Los Angeles and Sunnyvale is $53,125 (46.71%). Sunnyvale's median is +97.84% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $95,593,Sunnyvale spans $139,323. Sunnyvale has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$67,459
P25$91,992
Median$113,745
P75$140,499
P90 (Top)$163,052
Sunnyvale
P10 (Entry)$114,520
P25$132,583
Median$166,870
P75$209,516
P90 (Top)$253,843

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sunnyvale ($147,542 effective) pays 47.31% more than Los Angeles ($100,158 effective).

Los Angeles
Nominal: $113,745
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $100,158
Sunnyvale
Nominal: $166,870
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $147,542

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Larger job market (6,450 employed)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Sunnyvale if…

  • Higher median salary ($166,870/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($253,843)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,542)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Los Angeles grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.9% growth in Sunnyvale over the same period.

Los Angeles, CA

+31.6%

$82,110 (2019) → $108,030 (2025)

Sunnyvale, CA

+32.9%

$119,251 (2024) → $158,486 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Sunnyvale has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $166,870/year, compared to Los Angeles at $113,745/year — a difference of $53,125 (46.71%).

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

Los Angeles radiologic technologist and technicians earn $54.69/hr while Sunnyvale hygienists earn $80.23/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Los Angeles and Sunnyvale. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Los Angeles = $100,158, Sunnyvale = $147,542), job availability (6,450 vs 26 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $67,459 in Los Angeles and $114,520 in Sunnyvale. The Sunnyvale 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