how much does a radiologist make

Radiologists earn high salaries due to their specialized medical expertise in interpreting imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. As of early 2026, the median annual pay in the US stands at around $590,000, with averages reaching $672,000 based on verified physician reports.

Salary Breakdown

Recent data from physician-submitted reports shows wide variation in earnings.

Metric| Amount (USD)| Notes 1
---|---|---
Median Salary| $590,000/year| Typical midpoint for US radiologists
Average Salary| $672,419/year| Total compensation including bonuses
25th Percentile| $550,000/year| Entry to mid-level earners
75th Percentile| $620,000/year| Experienced professionals
Top Earners| Up to $2.3M/year| Subspecialists or high-volume practices 1

Other sources report lower figures like $370,000 average on PayScale, likely excluding bonuses or focusing on base pay.

Factors Influencing Pay

Earnings depend on several key elements that can boost or limit income.

• Location : Top states like New York, Pennsylvania, and California pay $375k–$600k+ due to demand; lower in Arkansas or Florida (~$267k–$290k).

• Experience : Early career (1-4 years) averages $313k; mid-career jumps to higher with subspecialties like interventional radiology ($530k–$600k).

• Practice Setting : Private/community hospitals offer $400k–$500k; academic roles $350k–$500k with research perks; locum tenens can hit $600k+ for flexibility.

• Subspecialty : Neuroradiology and interventional lead; pediatric lags at $326k–$400k.

Regional Highlights

Pay varies dramatically by state, reflecting cost of living and demand.

State| Average Range (USD)| Demand Level 7
---|---|---
Connecticut| $450k–$600k| Moderate-High
Texas| $450k–$600k| Moderate (no state tax)
New Jersey| ~$361k| Moderate
California| $550k+| High

Trends and Context

Radiologist pay has trended upward amid shortages and an aging population needing more imaging—demand remains strong into 2026. Entry-level starts around $345k with sign-on bonuses ($20k–$50k). Forums buzz about negotiation tips: leverage multiple offers, highlight subspecialty value, and factor in call pay or loan repayment.

"Most radiologists earn between $550k–$620k, but top performers push past $2M with high-volume reads." – SalaryDr physician data

TL;DR : Expect $550k–$670k typically, higher in high-demand areas or with experience; always verify with local benchmarks.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.