Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Santa Monica, CA: $116,421 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Santa Monica, CA earns a median $116,421/year (≈ $55.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Santa Monica's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $102,936 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, California, the 2026 median annual salary for radiologic technologists and technicians reaches a notable $116,421, reflecting a robust demand for skilled professionals in this field. The full salary range varies significantly, with starting salaries at approximately $80,900 and top earners earning about $168,486. Such figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data that consider regional price adjustments indicative of local economic conditions. Notably, credentials in multiple modalities, such as CT and MRI, contribute considerably to higher compensation levels, as specialized skills are increasingly sought after by healthcare employers in Santa Monica, reinforcing the value of cross-training.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,900 | $38.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,063 | $44.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,421 | $55.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,917 | $68.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,486 | $81.00 |
Median Salary Position
38.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, CA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,586 (2026 est.). At $116,421, the local median is 38.02% above the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Monica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Monica Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Santa Monica median: $116,421/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Monica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $115,155 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | +38.02% more |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $116,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.02% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 1.10% above the California state average of $115,155.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Monica has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Monica, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,421 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,936 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,519
2025 BLS Actual
$110,572
2026 Current Est.
$116,421
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,706 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,598 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,421 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,580 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Monica metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $83,519 (2019) to $110,572 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,580 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,061 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Monica 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) | $80,900 – $93,063 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,063 – $116,421 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,421 – $141,917 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,917 – $168,486 |
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 Monica
With only 20 radiologic technologists and technicians currently employed locally, the job market remains competitive yet promising. A cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that while salaries are higher than the national average, affordability can be a challenge for techs in Santa Monica. Medical facilities such as hospital imaging departments typically offer the most lucrative positions, while outpatient imaging centers and travel rad tech agencies also present competitive pay. The wide salary range can often be attributed to the presence of distinct factors, including modality specialization, shift differentials, and additional responsibilities such as call coverage or supervisory roles. Professionals aiming to maximize their pay should consider pursuing certifications in advanced imaging modalities and seek opportunities for leadership positions, which can further enhance their earning potential in this vibrant Californian market.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $110,572 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Santa Monica 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 Monica 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