Radiologists made an average annual salary of $359,820 in May 2024, according to the latest figures published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, a 2025 physician compensation survey conducted by Medscape reveals a different figure, with radiologists reporting an average yearly salary of $520,000. This discrepancy highlights the potential variation in salary data depending on the source and methodology used for data collection.

Locum tenens radiologists, on the other hand, could make more than these average figures—but that all depends on the location of the locum tenens radiologist job, years of experience required, and the level of demand at a particular facility or geographic area. According to our own in-house estimates, locum tenens diagnostic radiologists can make upwards of $330 per hour, which is about $686,400 when extrapolated to 40 hours a week for 52 weeks a year. 

The type of locum tenens radiology work can also impact earning potential. For example, our in-house data shows that locum tenens interventional (IR) radiologists can make $375–$450 an hour, while locum tenens non interventional (NIR) radiologists can make upward of $500 an hour. 

Check out our comprehensive radiologist salary guide for more information on radiologist pay.

A locum tenens radiologist is a licensed radiologist who works short- or long-term assignments at short-staffed healthcare facilities. Think of these providers as travel radiologists, going to the places where they’re needed most to provide critical care to patients.

Locum tenens radiologist jobs can last anywhere from a few days to a few months—it’s all dependent on the need of the facility. As a locum tenens radiologist, you can choose the assignments you take, meaning you have final say over how long you work for and where you travel. Not only do you have increased scheduling flexibility as a locum tenens radiologist, but you typically earn much more than your permanent counterparts (see above for more on radiologist salaries).

Radiologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat illness and injury using medical imaging tools, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other forms of technology. 

Radiologists typically work as part of a care team, relying on radiologic technicians to do imaging itself, while radiologists interpret the results and communicate with patients on diagnosis and treatment. 

There are different kinds of radiologists, all of whom specialize in a specific area of radiology. For example, pediatric radiologists specialize in medical imaging on children, while oncology radiologists focus on identifying cancer through medical imaging.

In general, it takes around 13 years to become a licensed radiologist. After high school, an aspiring radiologist will typically earn their undergraduate degree in some science, whether that’s biology, chemistry, or another STEM field. 

Following that, aspiring radiologists enter medical school, where they spend four years gaining a comprehensive education in medicine. A student will typically decide to specialize their schooling in radiology in the last year of medical school. 

After that, aspiring radiologists must complete a radiology residency program, where they gain hands-on practical experience under the guidance of a senior radiologist. This can take around four or five years, but it depends on a case by case basis. 

The journey ends when an aspiring radiologist gets board-certified, at which point they can apply for licensure in the state where they want to practice.

Yes, radiology is a competitive field of medicine. According to Radiology Business, more than one in every six United States MD students applying for radiology residencies did not match into a position in 2023. 

According to the BLS, Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, New York, and Texas had the highest employment level of radiologists in May 2023.

Locum tenens radiology positions are available in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, urgent care clinics, private practices, academic medical centers, Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, rural health clinics, and mobile imaging units. 

These diverse settings offer locum tenens radiologists the opportunity to gain experience in different work environments and serve various patient populations.

We can’t answer for other locum tenens companies, but Wellhart offers comprehensive malpractice insurance coverage to all of our locum radiologists. Wellhart’s claims-made insurance is furnished through an A-rated insurance company with tail coverage included.

Yes! Wellhart will handle all of the complicated logistics and expenses that go into getting you licensed across state lines. We are also able to obtain licenses through the IMLC (Interstate Medical Licensure Compact) if our providers are already enrolled. If not, we can assist you in the process.