Radiologist Salary in USA 2025

How Well Do Radiologists Earn in 2025?

Radiologists rank among the highest-paid physicians in the United States. Multiple 2024–2025 compensation surveys show typical total compensation in the mid- to high-six-figure range—well above most medical specialties and far above the general workforce.

Different data sources report different averages, ranging from approximately $350,000 to $550,000+ depending on the survey methodology. Employer-reported data and general salary sites often show lower figures, while physician-specific compensation surveys and self-reported clinician platforms typically show higher totals that include productivity bonuses, call pay, and partnership distributions.

The wide range reflects real variation in radiologist compensation. Subspecialty matters enormously—interventional radiologists and neuroradiologists consistently out-earn general diagnostic radiologists. Practice setting (academic vs. private), call schedule, productivity (RVU-based bonuses), and geographic location all significantly impact actual earnings. Radiology remains one of the most financially rewarding paths in medicine, making it a prominent entry in jobs that pay $100K+—in this case, often 4–5x that threshold.

Average Radiologist Salary: National Figures

Pinpointing a single "average" radiologist salary is challenging because data sources measure different things. Here's how various sources report radiologist compensation for 2025:

Why the Range?

Lower figures typically represent base salary only, often from academic positions or employed models. Higher figures include total compensation: base salary plus productivity bonuses (often RVU-based), call pay, partnership distributions, and benefits value. The most accurate comparison uses total compensation, which is what most physician surveys report.

For context, the average salary in the US is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Even "lower-paid" radiologists earn 5–6x the national average, while top earners exceed 10x.

Radiologist Salary by Experience Level

Experience significantly impacts radiologist compensation, though the trajectory differs from many careers—radiologists start high and climb higher.

Early Career (1–3 Years Post-Residency)

Newly minted radiologists typically earn $320,000–$400,000 in total compensation. Academic positions and hospital-employed roles often start toward the lower end, while private practice starting salaries can be higher. Many early-career radiologists are on partnership tracks with compensation escalation clauses.

Mid-Career (5–10 Years)

With experience and often partnership status, radiologists commonly earn $450,000–$550,000. Productivity bonuses become more significant at this stage, and those with high reading volumes or procedural work can exceed these figures. Geographic location and practice type heavily influence where individual radiologists fall within this range.

Senior/Experienced (15+ Years)

Senior radiologists with established practices, partnership equity, and leadership roles can earn $550,000–$700,000+. Those with ownership stakes in imaging centers, high-volume interventional practices, or medical director positions often reach the upper end. Some senior radiologists in desirable locations or academic leadership earn somewhat less but value schedule flexibility and prestige.

Key Compensation Drivers

Beyond years of experience, compensation growth depends on: partnership track and equity accumulation, productivity (RVU generation), call coverage willingness, subspecialty premiums, and business development contributions.

Subspecialty Salaries: Interventional, Neuroradiology, and More

Subspecialty is one of the biggest determinants of radiologist compensation. The range between lowest- and highest-paying subspecialties can exceed $200,000 annually.

Why Interventional Pays More

Interventional radiologists perform procedures—placing stents, draining abscesses, performing biopsies, treating tumors—rather than just reading images. These procedures generate higher reimbursement (RVUs) and require additional fellowship training. The combination of procedural revenue and relative scarcity drives compensation to the top of radiology subspecialties.

Why Pediatric Pays Less

Pediatric radiology often occurs in academic children's hospitals with lower compensation scales. Lower imaging volumes compared to adult practices and mission-driven career choices contribute to lower pay, though lifestyle and case variety attract many practitioners.

Radiologist Salary by State and Region

Geographic location significantly affects radiologist compensation, driven by cost of living, local demand, and practice economics.

Higher-Paying Regions

Certain states and regions consistently offer higher radiologist salaries:

Northeast Corridor: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania often show higher compensation, particularly in major metro areas where cost of living and competition for talent drive pay upward.

California: High cost of living translates to higher salaries, though net take-home after taxes and housing costs varies.

Midwest: States like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and parts of the Mountain West sometimes offer competitive salaries with lower cost of living—potentially better net value.

Lower-Paying Regions

Academic-heavy markets with abundant trainees, saturated metro areas, and states with lower overall physician compensation may show salaries toward the lower end of ranges—often in the $300,000–$400,000 range for diagnostic radiologists.

Rural vs. Urban

Rural and underserved areas frequently offer premium compensation to attract radiologists, sometimes exceeding urban rates by $50,000–$100,000+. However, these positions may involve higher call burdens, less subspecialty support, and different lifestyle considerations.

What Radiologists Do: Role and Workload

Understanding radiologist responsibilities helps contextualize the high compensation.

Core Responsibilities

Radiologists interpret medical images—X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine studies, and mammograms—to diagnose diseases and guide treatment. They consult with referring physicians, recommend additional imaging when needed, and in procedural subspecialties, perform image-guided interventions.

Workload Reality

High compensation comes with demanding workloads. Many radiologists read 50–100+ studies per day, requiring sustained concentration and rapid decision-making. Call coverage often includes nights, weekends, and holidays—emergency imaging doesn't stop. Teleradiology has created opportunities for flexible scheduling but also 24/7 coverage expectations.

Mental Demands

Each read carries diagnostic responsibility. Missing a cancer, aneurysm, or fracture has real consequences for patients and liability implications for radiologists. The combination of volume, responsibility, and irregular hours contributes to burnout risk that the specialty actively addresses.

Job Outlook and Market Trends

Radiology remains an attractive specialty with strong demand, though the landscape continues evolving.

Demand Drivers

Aging populations require more imaging. Advanced imaging technology enables diagnoses previously requiring invasive procedures. Interventional radiology continues expanding its scope of minimally invasive treatments. These factors sustain demand for radiologists despite efficiency gains from technology.

AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence in radiology generates both excitement and anxiety. Current evidence suggests AI augments rather than replaces radiologists—improving efficiency, catching potential misses, and handling routine tasks. Radiologists who embrace AI tools and focus on complex interpretation, clinical integration, and procedures remain well-positioned. The "AI will replace radiologists" predictions from a decade ago have not materialized.

Market Competition

Highly desirable locations (coastal metros, college towns) have more competition for positions. Rural and underserved areas face persistent shortages. Teleradiology has created new employment models but also some commoditization pressure on routine reads. Subspecialization, particularly in interventional and neuro, provides differentiation.

How to Increase Your Radiologist Pay

Radiologists have several levers to maximize compensation beyond simply accumulating experience.

Subspecialize Strategically

Interventional radiology and neuroradiology consistently command premium compensation. If procedural work appeals to you, the additional fellowship training pays dividends throughout your career. Even within diagnostic subspecialties, some (musculoskeletal, body imaging) trend higher than others.

Consider Practice Setting

Private practice partnership models often offer higher compensation potential than employed/academic positions, though with more business risk and administrative burden. Hybrid models—hospital employment with productivity bonuses—can offer balance. Academic positions trade some compensation for teaching opportunities, research time, and prestige.

Leverage Call and Coverage

Taking additional call shifts, covering other radiologists' vacations, or doing locum tenens work can significantly boost income. Some radiologists add $50,000–$150,000+ annually through strategic coverage. Teleradiology platforms offer flexible supplemental income opportunities.

Negotiate Effectively

Initial contract negotiation sets your compensation baseline for years. Understanding market rates, RVU targets, call expectations, and partnership timelines matters enormously. Don't leave money on the table—physician contracts are negotiable. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.

Business Opportunities

Ownership stakes in imaging centers, medical director positions, expert witness work, and consulting can supplement clinical income. These opportunities typically emerge mid-career once you've established reputation and relationships.

Training Path and Time Investment

Radiologist compensation must be understood in context of the extraordinary training investment required.

The Long Road

Undergraduate: 4 years for bachelor's degree, typically with pre-med coursework.

Medical School: 4 years earning MD or DO degree.

Residency: 5 years of diagnostic radiology residency (including transitional/preliminary year).

Fellowship (optional but common): 1–2 additional years for subspecialty training.

Total: 13–15+ years of post-secondary education and training before practicing independently.

Financial Context

During this training, radiologists accumulate significant debt (median medical school debt ~$200,000) while earning minimal income as students and modest income as residents (~$65,000–$75,000/year). The high attending salary must be weighed against lost earning years and debt repayment.

ROI Perspective

Despite the long training, radiology remains one of the better ROI medical specialties. High compensation, relatively controllable lifestyle compared to surgical specialties, and strong job security make it attractive. Lifetime earnings significantly exceed most alternative career paths, even accounting for delayed start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average radiologist salary in 2025?

Total compensation for radiologists typically ranges from $400,000–$550,000, with variation based on subspecialty, location, and practice type. Physician compensation surveys report medians around $450,000–$500,000 for diagnostic radiology, higher for interventional and neuro subspecialties.

How much does an interventional radiologist make?

Interventional radiologists are among the highest-paid radiologists, with typical total compensation of $550,000–$700,000+. The procedural nature of the work generates higher reimbursement, and the additional fellowship training limits supply relative to demand.

Which states pay radiologists the most?

Higher-paying states typically include those with high cost of living (California, New York, Massachusetts) and those with supply shortages. Rural areas within any state often pay premiums. Net compensation after taxes and cost of living may favor Midwest and Mountain states over coastal metros.

How long does it take to become a radiologist?

Becoming a radiologist requires approximately 13 years after high school: 4 years undergraduate, 4 years medical school, and 5 years residency. Subspecialty fellowship adds 1–2 more years. Most radiologists begin independent practice in their early-to-mid 30s.

Is radiology still a good career choice with AI?

Yes. Despite early predictions of AI replacing radiologists, current evidence shows AI augmenting rather than replacing the specialty. AI handles routine tasks and improves efficiency, but complex interpretation, clinical integration, and procedures remain human domains. Radiologists who embrace AI tools are well-positioned for the future.