Sacramento vs Stockton: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $532,758▲ | $514,350 |
| Hourly Rate | $256.14▲ | $247.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $309,000▲ | $298,323 |
| 25th Percentile | $383,586▲ | $370,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $659,014▲ | $632,295 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $790,478▲ | $754,349 |
| Total Employed | 94▲ | 71 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Stockton.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Stockton is $18,408 (3.58%). Sacramento's median is +20.56% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $481,478,Stockton spans $456,026. Sacramento has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($471,050 effective) pays 3.58% more than Stockton ($454,775 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($532,758/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($790,478)
- ✓Larger job market (94 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $471,050)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Sacramento grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Stockton over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$542,520 (2024) → $507,389 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$523,774 (2024) → $489,857 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov