Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $57.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in San Diego, CA runs $57.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,483 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,693 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, radiologic technologists and technicians in San Diego, CA, can expect a median hourly pay of $57.45, significantly surpassing the national median of $40.55. This hourly rate positions these healthcare professionals favorably in a city where hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, urgent care facilities, and specialized medical practices are prevalent. The range for entry-level positions starts at approximately $33.12 per hour, while established professionals can earn up to $75.62 an hour. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS projections, reveals what career choices can mean for part-time workers, who might enjoy lucrative earnings even when scheduled for just three days a week. Such work arrangements allow flexibility that attracts many technologists seeking a work-life balance while earning solid compensation in diverse clinical settings.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.12 | $264.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.44 | $387.55 |
| Median (P50) | $57.45 | $459.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.25 | $537.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.62 | $604.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $57.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.45/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $119,488 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,935. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,297.85 | $9,957 | $119,488 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,378.71 | $5,974 | $71,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $919.14 | $3,983 | $47,795 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (San Diego) | $57.45 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in San Diego, CA earn a median of $119,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 41.65% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 3.70% above the California state average of $115,220.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.45/hr = $71,693/year (purchasing power: $64,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,488/year (purchasing power: $106,794).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in San Diego grew 35.4% from $40.30/hr (2019) to $54.56/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.49/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Diego 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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in San Diego
Considering the part-time prospects, a radiologic technologist and technician working three days a week at 24 hours may take home an annual amount comparable to full-time earnings, particularly if they align with higher-demand modalities such as CT or MRI. Per diem or agency roles can provide even more lucrative options, with billing rates for per diem positions ranging between $40 and $60 per hour, and cross-trained technicians often earning between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts also present a profitable avenue, as they can yield between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. However, hourly rates differ based on the healthcare environment. While hospitals may offer higher rates, they often come with benefits, unlike outpatient centers, which might pay slightly less but offer the flexibility desired by many. Negotiating effectively can lead to desirable pay structures, allowing workers to assess whether higher hourly wages fit their needs against lower rates coupled with health insurance and other benefits in San Diego's competitive market.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in San Diego in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in San Diego?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in San Diego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in San Diego?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Diego?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in San Diego. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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