Radiologist Salary 2025: $420,860 Median, High-Paying States, and Career Path
The median radiologist in the U.S. earns $420,860 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That translates to roughly $202 an hour. But the range is enormous: the bottom 10% make around $89,010, while the top 10% pull in $594,410 or more. Location and specialty are the biggest levers on pay.
Radiology is among the highest-paying medical specialties, but the path is long and competitive. With about 26,770 radiologists employed nationally and only 800 openings projected each year, the field is stable but not exploding. Here's what you need to know about earnings, geography, training, and the job market for 2025 and beyond.
How much Radiologists earn
The national mean salary for radiologists is $381,530, but the median—the midpoint where half earn more and half less—is $420,860. The BLS data shows pay typically ranges from $89,010 at the 10th percentile to $594,410 at the 90th. That wide spread reflects differences in experience, subspecialty (e.g., interventional vs. diagnostic), practice setting (hospital vs. private), and geographic region.
Hourly, the mean wage works out to about $202. Many radiologists are salaried, but those in private practice or locum tenens roles may see different compensation structures including productivity bonuses.
- 10th percentile: $89,010
- 25th percentile: $272,650 (BLS calc)
- Median: $420,860
- 75th percentile: $594,410+
- Mean hourly: $202
Pay by state
Where you practice dramatically affects your paycheck. Minnesota leads with an average annual wage of $708,340—more than triple the national mean. South Dakota follows at $586,010, then Maryland ($581,510), Maine ($555,750), and North Dakota ($553,140). These high numbers often reflect rural demand, shortage areas, or cost-of-living adjustments.
On the low end, Arkansas pays $75,600 on average, New Mexico $96,170, and Wyoming $161,750. Keep in mind that BLS state averages include all radiologists, so a low average may indicate fewer high-paid subspecialists or more part-time roles. But the gap is real: a radiologist in Minnesota can earn nine times more than one in Arkansas.
How to become a Radiologist
Becoming a radiologist requires about 13 years of education and training after high school. The path: a bachelor's degree (typically in biology, chemistry, or a related field), medical school (4 years), a one-year internship, and a four-year diagnostic radiology residency. After residency, many pursue a fellowship (1-2 years) in a subspecialty like neuroradiology, interventional radiology, or pediatric radiology.
Licensing and certification are rigorous. You must pass the USMLE steps, obtain a state medical license, and become board-certified by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). The ABR exam is taken after residency. Competition for residency slots is high; the match rate for U.S. seniors is around 80-85%. Programs are accredited by the ACGME.
- Earn a bachelor's degree with pre-med requirements
- Graduate from an accredited medical school (4 years)
- Complete a one-year transitional or surgical internship
- Finish a 4-year diagnostic radiology residency
- Obtain a medical license in the state you plan to practice
- Pass the American Board of Radiology certification exam
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of physicians and surgeons, including radiologists, will grow 2.7% from 2024 to 2034—about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 800 new radiologist openings each year. Most openings will come from retirements and replacement needs, not explosive growth.
Demand for imaging services remains steady due to an aging population and advances in diagnostic technology. However, tele-radiology and AI-assisted tools are reshaping how work is distributed, which may limit growth in certain settings. Overall, radiology remains a stable, well-paid career with controlled supply and consistent demand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a radiologist?
Entry-level radiologists (first year after residency) typically earn between $200,000 and $350,000, depending on location and practice type. The BLS bottom 10% figure of $89,010 likely includes part-time or retired locums; a full-time starting salary is usually well above $200,000.
Do radiologists make more than other doctors?
Yes, radiologists are among the highest-paid physicians. The median $420,860 is significantly higher than primary care specialties (e.g., family medicine ~$250k) and comparable to other high-end specialties like cardiology or anesthesiology.
Is there a shortage of radiologists?
Not an acute shortage, but there is a regional imbalance. Rural and underserved areas report difficulty recruiting, which partly explains the high salaries in states like Minnesota and South Dakota. Overall, supply is tight enough to keep compensation high.
How does radiologist pay vary by subspecialty?
Subspecialties like interventional radiology and neuroradiology often command higher pay, sometimes 10-20% above general diagnostic radiology. The BLS figures are averages across all radiologists, so interventionalists typically land in the top 25%.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Radiologists data.