Radiologic Technologist Salary in California
Based on 21K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$121,260
$58.30/hr
vs National Average
$81,281
+49.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$70K – $165K
21K employed in California
Radiologic Technologist salary in California averages $121,260 per year, significantly outpacing the national median. With approximately 20,900 radiologic technologists employed throughout the state, California offers competitive compensation in this healthcare field. The salary range spans from $70,210 to $165,460 annually, reflecting variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence radiologic technologist earnings in California, including years of experience, employer type, and facility location within the state. Advanced certifications and specializations in areas like CT or MRI imaging can lead to higher compensation. The cost of living in California and strong demand for imaging professionals also contribute to salaries running roughly 49 percent above the national average for this profession.
Salary Distribution — Radiologic Technologist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,210 |
| 25th percentile | $95,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $121,260 |
| 75th percentile | $137,770 |
| 90th percentile | $165,460 |
Top-Paying Industries for Radiologic Technologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Radiologic Technologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Radiologic Technologists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $95,200 | 7K |
| Educational Services | $94,110 | 2K |
| Wholesale Trade | $90,610 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $84,270 | 680 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $80,770 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Radiologic Technologist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,390 |
| 2023 | $102,230 |
| 2024 | $107,670 |
| 2025 | $121,260 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,536 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,390 | $67,776 |
| 2023 | $102,230 | $72,642 |
| 2024 | $107,670 | $77,027 |
| 2025 | $121,260 | $81,281 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,536 | $86,158 |
Radiologic Technologist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $121,260 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $137,770 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $165,460 |
Radiologic Technologist Salary in Other States
Related Radiologic Technologist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Radiologic Technologist ($121,260 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Radiologic Technologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +191.5% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +158.9% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +148.4% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +141.1% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +123.1% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +107.8% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +76.6% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +68.1% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +66.0% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +53.1% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +39.0% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +36.9% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists make in California?
- Radiologic technologists in California earn a median salary of $121,260 per year, or $58 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 49.2% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for radiologic technologists in California?
- The salary range for radiologic technologists in California spans from $70,210 to $165,460 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state.
Is being a radiologic technologist in California worth it compared to other states?
- Yes, radiologic technologists in California earn 49.2% more than the national average, making it one of the most lucrative states for this profession. With a median salary of $121,260 per year, California offers substantially higher compensation than most other states.
How many radiologic technologists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 20,900 radiologic technologists currently employed in California. This substantial workforce supports the state's extensive healthcare and medical imaging infrastructure.