Radiologists are among the highest-paid physicians in the United States.
The BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $252,760 for physicians and surgeons broadly (SOC 29-1228) as of 2024 BLS data, and radiologists — as a specialty within medicine — typically earn above this general physician median.
Industry compensation surveys consistently report radiologist median total compensation in the range of $400,000–$550,000 per year, depending on subspecialty, practice setting, and geographic market.
Employment growth for physicians overall is projected at approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032.
Key factors affecting radiologist pay include subspecialty (interventional vs. diagnostic), practice type (academic vs. private), call responsibilities, geographic location, and volume-based or shift-based compensation structures.
The doctor salary, the anesthesiologist salary, and the surgeon salary are the most commonly compared physician-level benchmarks.
The path to becoming a radiologist typically involves four years of medical school, a diagnostic radiology residency (4 years), and often a 1–2 year fellowship in a subspecialty.
For physician salary comparisons, the doctor salary, the surgeon salary, and the anesthesiologist salary are the most commonly cited peers in physician compensation benchmarking.
Radiologist Salary Overview (2026)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies radiologists under physicians and surgeons (SOC 29-1228).
According to 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the broad physicians and surgeons category reported a median annual wage of approximately $252,760.
However, radiology as a specialty typically commands compensation well above this general physician median, based on industry compensation survey data.
Because the BLS groups many physician specialties together and does not report separate median wages for radiologists specifically, industry compensation surveys from organizations such as the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and Medscape are often used to supplement BLS data.
The radiology tech salary and the X-ray tech salary represent the allied imaging roles in the same clinical environment.
These surveys consistently place diagnostic radiologist median total compensation in the range of $400,000–$500,000, and interventional radiologist compensation at $450,000–$600,000 or more.
| Percentile (Est.) | Diagnostic Radiology (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~$350,000 |
| 50th (Median) | ~$450,000 |
| 75th | ~$550,000 |
| 90th | ~$650,000+ |
These figures are estimates based on available industry data as of 2026 and should be treated as ranges, not guarantees.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Radiologist Pay by Experience Level
Radiologist compensation follows a clear progression tied to training completion and career stage.
Radiology residents earn stipends during training, which are substantially lower than attending physician salaries.
Upon completing residency, first-year attending radiologists typically see their compensation increase sharply.
Additional experience, subspecialty fellowship training, and partnership-track positions further increase earning potential over time.
| Career Stage | Estimated Annual Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Radiology Resident (PGY-2 to PGY-5) | ~$60,000 – $90,000 (stipend) |
| Fellow (1–2 years post-residency) | ~$65,000 – $100,000 (stipend) |
| New Attending Radiologist (Year 1–3) | $350,000 – $450,000 |
| Experienced Attending / Partner (5+ years) | $450,000 – $650,000+ |
These are estimates based on available industry compensation data as of 2026. Academic radiologists may earn less in base salary but may receive additional income from research grants and academic supplemental pay.
Subspecialty Differences
Within radiology, subspecialty significantly influences pay.
Interventional radiologists (IR) — who perform minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging — typically earn more than diagnostic-only radiologists due to the procedural component of their work.
Neuroradiology, breast imaging (mammography), musculoskeletal radiology, and pediatric radiology each carry different demand and supply dynamics that affect regional compensation.
Teleradiology — where radiologists read images remotely — has also created a unique compensation model based on volume (reads per shift) rather than traditional salary or wRVU (work relative value unit) structures.
Radiologist Salary by State and Region
Geographic location affects radiologist pay in both nominal and real terms.
High-cost states such as California and New York often offer higher nominal salaries but also have higher taxes and living costs.
The cost of living in California and the cost of living in New York are among the highest in the country, which affects real purchasing power even at radiologist income levels.
The cost of living in California and the cost of living in Texas represent the most commonly contrasted markets for radiologists evaluating practice location.
States in the South and Midwest — such as Texas, Tennessee, and Indiana — may offer competitive compensation with a lower cost of living, which can translate to stronger real purchasing power.
Rural areas and critical access hospital markets may offer premium compensation to recruit radiologists to underserved locations.
Locum tenens (temporary contract) radiologists — who fill short-term coverage gaps at hospitals — can often negotiate higher daily or per-read rates than permanent employed counterparts, though without the stability or benefits of a permanent position.
Academic medical centers in large metro areas may pay at or below the private practice median but offer research, teaching, and institutional prestige as compensating factors.
Factors That Affect Radiologist Pay
Multiple factors influence how much a radiologist earns in a given year, including subspecialty, practice type, call burden, and compensation model.
Subspecialty
Interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and body imaging are among the higher-compensated subspecialties.
Breast imaging and pediatric radiology may pay somewhat less in some markets.
The supply of fellowship-trained subspecialists relative to market demand is the primary driver of these differences.
Practice Setting
Private practice radiology groups — particularly those with hospital contracts — typically offer the highest compensation.
Academic radiology departments may pay less in base salary but offer structured time for research and teaching.
Hospital-employed radiologists typically fall between private practice and academic in terms of compensation.
Teleradiology may offer high per-read rates with schedule flexibility but typically does not include traditional benefits.
Compensation Model
Many radiology practices use work relative value unit (wRVU) compensation models, which directly tie pay to the volume and complexity of imaging studies interpreted.
Pure salary models also exist, as do hybrid models combining a base salary with a production bonus.
Understanding the compensation model is important when evaluating radiology job offers.
Call Coverage
Radiologists who take overnight or weekend call — particularly at emergency-level trauma centers — may earn additional call pay or higher base salaries to compensate for the burden of after-hours work. The frequency of call responsibilities can meaningfully affect total annual compensation.
Radiologist Career Outlook
The employment outlook for physicians and surgeons overall — the BLS category that includes radiologists — is projected to grow approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032 according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
This is somewhat below the average for all occupations, partly because radiology is facing evolving dynamics from artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted image interpretation tools.
While AI is not expected to replace radiologists in the near term, it may affect the volume of routine reads and efficiency expectations.
Radiologists who can interpret complex or ambiguous cases, perform interventional procedures, and lead image-guided therapy programs are expected to remain in strong demand.
The ongoing growth in advanced imaging utilization — including CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound — continues to support demand for trained radiologists across hospital systems and outpatient imaging centers as of 2026.
Radiologists at peak earning years should maximize 401(k) contributions and build toward retirement savings targets that account for the delayed start from long training. A Roth IRA can provide tax-diversified retirement income alongside employer-sponsored plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a radiologist make per year?
While the BLS reports a median wage of approximately $252,760 for physicians and surgeons broadly (SOC 29-1228) as of 2024 BLS data, radiologists as a specialty typically earn more.
The ultrasound technician salary shows what allied imaging professionals in the same workflow earn by comparison.
Industry compensation surveys place diagnostic radiologist median total compensation in the range of $400,000–$500,000 per year, with interventional radiologists and experienced partners often earning more.
Do interventional radiologists earn more than diagnostic radiologists?
Generally, yes. Interventional radiologists (IR) typically earn more than diagnostic-only radiologists because of the procedural component of their work — performing minimally invasive procedures under image guidance. The specific pay differential varies by market, practice, and call schedule.
What is the difference between academic and private practice radiology compensation?
Private practice radiologists typically earn more in base compensation than academic radiologists.
Academic positions may offer lower base pay but provide time for research, teaching opportunities, and academic prestige.
Some academic radiologists receive additional income from grants, industry consulting, or academic supplemental compensation.
How long does it take to become a radiologist?
The path to becoming a radiologist typically requires 4 years of undergraduate education, 4 years of medical school, a 1-year internship, and a 4-year diagnostic radiology residency — totaling approximately 13 years after high school.
Many radiologists then complete an additional 1–2 year subspecialty fellowship, extending total training to 14–15 years.
Will artificial intelligence reduce radiologist salaries?
The long-term impact of AI on radiology compensation is uncertain.
As of 2026, AI tools are being used to assist radiologists in detecting findings and managing workflow, but they are not performing the full scope of radiologist work.
Most experts anticipate that radiologists who adapt to work alongside AI — focusing on complex interpretation, interventional procedures, and clinical consultation — will remain in demand.
The BLS projects modest overall growth for the physician category through 2032. Understanding how to negotiate salary and maximizing retirement contributions are especially important for high-earning radiologists who want to translate peak-career income into long-term financial security.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons (SOC 29-1228). May 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291228.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons. 2024–2025 Edition. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Radiologists (29-1224.00). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1224.00
Last updated: April 27, 2026