Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Santa Ana, CA: $122,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Santa Ana, CA earns a median $122,045/year (≈ $58.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Santa Ana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $107,909 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Ana, California, earn a median annual salary of $122,045, which significantly exceeds the national median of $84,348. This locality showcases a salary range from $78,566 at the 10th percentile to $187,096 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a broad spectrum of compensation reflective of varying employer settings. Workers in the hospital sector typically earn more than those in outpatient imaging centers and urgent care facilities, a trend shaped by different operational requirements and patient volumes. As the demand for skilled radiologic personnel increases, particularly in areas offering advanced imaging modalities, it’s crucial for professionals in Santa Ana to evaluate their options and leverage their skills for higher pay.
About the Santa Ana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,566 | $37.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,515 | $44.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,045 | $58.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,408 | $73.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,096 | $89.95 |
Median Salary Position
44.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Ana
In Santa Ana, CA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,530 (2026 est.). At $122,045, the local median is 44.69% above the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Ana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Ana Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Santa Ana median: $122,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Ana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $115,137 | +6.00% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | +44.69% more |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $122,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 44.69% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 6.00% above the California state average of $115,137.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Ana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Ana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,045 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $107,909 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,553
2025 BLS Actual
$115,913
2026 Current Est.
$122,045
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Santa Ana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,553 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,798 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,253 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,219 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,913 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,501 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Ana metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $87,553 (2019) to $115,913 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,501 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,948 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Ana metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,566 – $93,515 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,515 – $122,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,045 – $153,408 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,408 – $187,096 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Santa Ana
Examining the local job market reveals that there are 69 radiologic technologists and technicians currently employed in Santa Ana, amidst a cost of living index of 113.1, suggesting higher living expenses relative to the national average. This can impact take-home purchasing power, particularly for those solely focused on traditional radiography. However, the pay landscape is varied; imaging departments in hospitals often compensate their staff better than mobile X-ray services or outpatient clinics. Factors contributing to wage differences include the necessity for cross-training in modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography, which often lead to increased pay. Additionally, shifts that require on-call availability or specialized roles in trauma centers can command premiums. For those looking to maximize their pay in Santa Ana, pursuing cross-training, seeking opportunities in higher-paying sectors, and actively engaging in professional development through organizations like ASRT and maintaining ARRT registration are vital strategies.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Santa Ana, CA in 2026?
Is Santa Ana, CA a good place to work as a radiologic technologist and technician?
Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Santa Ana?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologic technologist and technician salary in Santa Ana?
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $115,913 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Santa Ana metropolitan area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Santa Ana is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
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