Radiologist Salary Guide
How much do radiologists make in the United States? And how does radiologist salary compare across states and between perm and temp work? Let’s take a look!
Explore our radiologist salary guide to discover:
- Diagnostic Radiologist Salary
- Interventional Radiologist Salary
- Radiologist Salary by State
- How Radiologist Salary Compares Against Other Doctor Specialties
Looking for locum tenens radiologist jobs? Check out our open radiologist assignments nationwide.
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How much do radiologists make?
The average annual radiologist wage in the U.S. was $359,820 in May 2024, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Radiologists surveyed by Medscape in its “Physician Compensation Report 2025” say they make a total of $526,000 per year on average.
These numbers reflect radiologists in general and aren’t broken down by the different subspecialties within radiology, such as diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology (IR). Doximity’s “Physician Compensation Report 2025” surveyed 37,000 U.S. doctors in 2024 and determined average annual compensation figures for these specialties:
Diagnostic Radiologist Salary
Diagnostic radiologists reported an average annual compensation of $571,749, according to Doximity’s 2025 doctor compensation report.
Interventional Radiologist Salary
Interventional radiologists reported an average annual compensation of $572,617 according to Doximity’s 2025 doctor compensation report.
How much do locum tenens radiologists make?
Locum tenens diagnostic radiologists can earn up to around $330 per hour, and locum tenens interventional (IR) radiologists typically earn between $350 and $450 per hour. However, actual rates vary widely and depend on many factors including location, years of experience, demand, and assignment specifics.
Making direct salary comparisons between permanent and locum tenens providers can be complicated. While perm radiologists are more likely to be salaried, locum tenens radiologists are independent contractors earning an hourly rate, which can vary based on which assignments they take in a year.
Furthermore, because locum tenens radiologists are paid by the hour, the hours they work are directly reflected in their pay, while a salaried radiologist’s additional hours may not be reflected in their salary.
Finally, paid time off and insurance may be reflected in the perm radiologist’s salary structure, but locum tenens providers do have options when it comes to health insurance.
Radiologist Salary by State
Radiologist salary varies by state, and according to the BLS’s data for May 2024, several states including Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, Washington, and Wisconsin were reported among the highest-paying. However, the BLS did not provide exact wage figures for these states.
Below are the next five states for which the BLS provided specific average annual wage data for radiologists:
- Minnesota — $515,440
- South Dakota — $495,570
- Arizona — $447,530
- Maine — $439,890
- Michigan — $414,550
Is radiology a high-paying career?
Radiologists rank as the third-highest earners among the more than 30 physician specialties surveyed in Medscape’s 2025 compensation report. Only orthopedic surgeons and plastic surgeons have higher average total compensation than radiologists.
Similarly, Doximity’s 2025 Physician Compensation Report ranks diagnostic radiologists and interventional radiologists among the top earners, placing them 11th and 10th respectively in average annual compensation across all surveyed specialties.
Radiologist Salary Trends
Radiology has seen major increases in average annual compensation, according to Doximity’s 2025 physician compensation report. This report, which distinguishes between “radiology” (commonly understood as diagnostic radiology) and interventional radiology, uncovered that diagnostic radiologist average compensation grew by 7.5% from last year.
Check out and apply to our open locum tenens radiologist jobs today!
Radiology FAQs
Answers to Your Top Radiology Questions
What is radiology?
Radiology is a medical field that uses imaging technologies to see inside the body. Radiologists help diagnose injuries and diseases by analyzing pictures of organs, bones, and tissues. Common imaging methods include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine. Radiology guides treatment decisions and monitors progress and is essential in many medical specialties, from emergency care to cancer treatment.
What is a radiologist?
A radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in interpreting medical images. They analyze X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other scans to diagnose conditions. Radiologists also perform image-guided procedures to treat certain diseases. These critical medical providers collaborate closely with other physicians to ensure patients get accurate diagnoses and effective care.
Is a radiologist a doctor?
Yes, a radiologist is a fully qualified medical doctor. After medical school, they complete several years of specialized training in medical imaging. This training enables them to interpret complex images and perform minimally invasive treatments. Radiologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing health conditions across almost every area of medicine.
What is diagnostic radiology?
Diagnostic radiology is the branch of radiology focused on producing and interpreting images for medical diagnosis. Diagnostic radiologists use tools like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound to reveal internal body structures and identify fractures, tumors, infections, and other problems. Diagnostic radiologists analyze these images and provide detailed reports to guide treatment plans.
What is an interventional radiologist?
An interventional radiologist is a doctor who uses medical imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures. They insert tiny instruments like catheters or needles through small cuts to treat diseases. This approach often replaces traditional surgery, with less pain and faster recovery. Common procedures include treating blood vessel blockages, biopsies, or cancer ablations.
How do you become a radiologist?
It takes about 13 years to become a radiologist and the process typically follows these steps:
- Earn an Undergraduate Degree
- Attend and Complete Medical School
- Complete a Clinical Year
- Undertake Residency Training While Preparing for Licensing
- Obtain a State Medical License
- Become Board Certified
- Complete a Fellowship (Optional)
Why is radiology paid so high?
Radiology commands high pay because it requires specialized skills and extensive training to interpret complex medical images accurately. Radiologists also work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, often earning additional pay for these shifts. The competitive job market, especially for subspecialties like interventional radiology, also drives salaries up. Finally, radiologists contribute critically to diagnosis and treatment in most areas of medicine, making their expertise highly valuable.
Find Locum Tenens Radiologist Jobs with Wellhart
Interested in taking on the locum tenens lifestyle as a radiologist? Check out and apply to our open locum tenens radiologist jobs today!