Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Santa Clara, CA: $165,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Santa Clara, CA earns a median $165,774/year (≈ $79.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Santa Clara's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $146,573 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 43.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Clara, CA are projected to earn a median annual salary of $165,774, significantly higher than the national average of $84,348. The local salary range spans from $112,020 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $243,735 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for earnings growth through advanced credentials. Professionals who pursue cross-training in modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or add mammography to their skill set, often command higher salaries. This notable compensation reflects not only the local demand for skilled imaging professionals but also the costs associated with living in this region, which influences overall pay.
About the Santa Clara Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,020 | $53.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $136,644 | $65.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,774 | $79.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $203,124 | $97.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $243,735 | $117.18 |
Median Salary Position
96.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Clara
In Santa Clara, CA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,715 (2026 est.). At $165,774, the local median is 96.54% above the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Clara: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Clara Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Santa Clara median: $165,774/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Clara Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $115,201 | +43.90% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | +96.54% more |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Santa Clara, CA earn a median of $165,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 96.54% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 43.90% above the California state average of $115,201.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Clara has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Clara, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,774 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,573 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,924
2025 BLS Actual
$157,445
2026 Current Est.
$165,774
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Santa Clara (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,924 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,656 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,614 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,024 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,445 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,543 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Clara metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $118,924 (2019) to $157,445 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,543 by 2027 — a total increase of $55,619 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Clara 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) | $112,020 – $136,644 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $136,644 – $165,774 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,774 – $203,124 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $203,124 – $243,735 |
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 Clara
With 32 radiologic technologists and technicians currently employed in Santa Clara, the job market supports a steady demand for imaging services. The cost of living index in this area stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be constrained relative to other regions. Employers such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty practices typically offer the highest wages, driven by the complexity and demand for specific imaging services. The disparity in pay rates is influenced by factors like modality cross-training, shift differentials, and premium pay for travel rad tech assignments. To optimize earning potential, professionals are advised to seek cross-training opportunities and consider positions in institutions that support advanced skills, ensuring they align with the evolving landscape of radiologic technology in Santa Clara.
More salary data for Santa Clara, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Santa Clara?
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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 $157,445 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Santa Clara 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 Clara 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