Radiography Tech Salary

Riverside vs Simi Valley: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Riverside, CA and Simi Valley, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Riverside, CA
$110,755
$53.25/hr
Simi Valley, CA
$119,006
$57.21/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRiverside, CASimi Valley, CA
Median Salary$110,755$119,006
Hourly Rate$53.25$57.21
Entry Level (P10)$75,777$81,447
25th Percentile$89,675$94,475
75th Percentile$135,077$149,431
Top Earner (P90)$141,036$180,586
Total Employed2,14023
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Riverside ($110,755) and Simi Valley ($119,006) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.RiversideSimi ValleyMedian Salary$110,755$119,006Entry Level (P10)$75,777$81,447Top Earner (P90)$141,036$180,586US Median $84,348

Verdict

Simi Valley, 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 Simi Valley is $8,251 (7.45%). Simi Valley's median is +41.09% 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,Simi Valley spans $99,139. Simi Valley has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Riverside
P10 (Entry)$75,777
P25$89,675
Median$110,755
P75$135,077
P90 (Top)$141,036
Simi Valley
P10 (Entry)$81,447
P25$94,475
Median$119,006
P75$149,431
P90 (Top)$180,586

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Simi Valley ($105,222 effective) pays 1.12% more than Riverside ($104,052 effective).

Riverside
Nominal: $110,755
CoL Index: 106.442
Adjusted: $104,052
Simi Valley
Nominal: $119,006
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $105,222

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)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Simi Valley if…

  • Higher median salary ($119,006/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($180,586)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,222)
  • 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 Simi Valley over the same period.

Riverside, CA

+32.6%

$79,330 (2019) → $105,190 (2025)

Simi Valley, CA

+-5.2%

$119,186 (2024) → $113,027 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Riverside or Simi Valley?

Simi Valley has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $119,006/year, compared to Riverside at $110,755/year — a difference of $8,251 (7.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Simi Valley?

Riverside radiologic technologist and technicians earn $53.25/hr while Simi Valley hygienists earn $57.21/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Riverside to Simi Valley as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Riverside and Simi Valley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Riverside = $104,052, Simi Valley = $105,222), job availability (2,140 vs 23 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Riverside vs Simi Valley?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $75,777 in Riverside and $81,447 in Simi Valley. The Simi Valley 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