Riverside vs San Marcos: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Riverside, CA and San Marcos, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,755 | $115,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.25 | $55.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,777 | $77,658▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,675 | $90,549▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,077 | $141,312▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,036 | $175,965▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,140▲ | 17 |
Verdict
San Marcos, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Marcos is $4,416 (3.99%). San Marcos's median is +36.54% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $65,259,San Marcos spans $98,307. San Marcos 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, Riverside ($104,052 effective) pays 2.18% more than San Marcos ($101,831 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,052)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,965)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Riverside grew 32.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.2% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$79,330 (2019) → $105,190 (2025)
San Marcos, CA
$115,346 (2024) → $109,385 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Marcos, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Riverside or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Marcos as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Riverside vs San Marcos?
Related Comparisons
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