← 2026 Salary Report / Radiology

Radiologist Salary 2026

Strong compensation with teleradiology flexibility. Interventional radiology commands the highest subspecialty premiums.

$483,000
Medscape 2026
$510,000
Doximity 2025
$500,000
MGMA Median

Training: 5 years post-medical school + 1 year fellowship  |  5-Year Change: +9%  |  Range (25th-75th): $380,000-$630,000

Compensation by Experience Level

Diagnostic radiologists start at $380,000-$430,000. Interventional radiologists start at $450,000-$550,000. Peak earnings occur at years 5-10 as partnerships mature and productivity stabilizes. Breast imaging and neuroradiology offer moderate premiums of 5-15% over general DR.

Top-Paying States

Teleradiology has flattened geographic pay variation more than any other specialty. However, on-site positions in the Sun Belt and Texas still pay 10-20% above national averages when COL-adjusted. Academic radiology significantly underpays private practice - the gap is 30-45%.

Employed vs Private Practice

Employed radiologists earn $400,000-$520,000. Private practice partners in established groups earn $550,000-$750,000 with strong imaging center ownership. Interventional radiology private practices can exceed $800,000. The ownership model (imaging center equity) is the primary differentiator.

How to Maximize Your Compensation

Three highest-leverage actions: (1) Pursue IR fellowship for the highest income ceiling and procedural independence. (2) Target partnership-track private groups with imaging center ownership. (3) Negotiate productivity bonuses tied to RVU rather than flat salary. Use the PhysicianWealth Salary Benchmark for a personalized comparison.

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© 2026 PhysicianWealth | Full 2026 Salary Report (10,000+ words)