Radiologist Salary Guide
Radiologists earn competitive compensation in both permanent positions (approximately $500,000 annually) and locum tenens roles. With an aging population requiring increased diagnostic imaging and persistent radiologist shortages across the United States, demand for qualified radiologists continues to grow. Whether you're seeking flexible scheduling, geographic variety, or the ability to explore different practice environments before committing permanently, locum tenens positions offer exceptional earning potential alongside work-life balance.
Radiologist Salary Guide
Radiologists earn competitive compensation in both permanent positions (approximately $500,000 annually) and locum tenens roles. With an aging population requiring increased diagnostic imaging and persistent radiologist shortages across the United States, demand for qualified radiologists continues to grow. Whether you're seeking flexible scheduling, geographic variety, or the ability to explore different practice environments before committing permanently, locum tenens positions offer exceptional earning potential alongside work-life balance.
Quick Facts: Radiologist Compensation 2026
| Average annual salary | $500,000 |
| Highest-paying subspecialty | Interventional Radiology (IR) and Neuroradiology |
| Top-paying states/regions | New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Wyoming |
Locum tenens radiology subspecialists (and those willing to serve high-need areas) often receive premium pay 15-25% above standard rates.
Radiologist Salary Overview
Radiologist compensation varies based on subspecialty training, practice setting, geographic location, and years of experience. Across the United States, radiologists remain among the highest-paid physicians, reflecting both the technical expertise required and the critical role diagnostic imaging plays in patient care.
Subspecialty-trained radiologists, particularly interventional radiologists, neuroradiologists, and breast imaging specialists, typically command pay at the higher end of compensation ranges. This section breaks down how experience level, geographic region, and practice setting influence earning potential for both locum tenens and permanent radiology positions.
By Experience Level
Experience significantly impacts radiologist compensation. Earning potential increases as you build expertise and develop subspecialty skills.
| Experience Level | Permanent Annual Salary | Typical Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | $400,000 – $500,000 | General diagnostic radiology, building foundational skills |
| Mid-Career | $500,000 – $600,000 | Subspecialty certification emerging, proven accuracy |
| Experienced | $600,000 – $650,000+ | Subspecialty expert, leadership roles available |
Highest-Paying States/Regions for Radiologists
Geographic location significantly influences radiologist compensation. Factors including cost of living, provider shortages, and regional healthcare demand drive salary ranges.
Top-Paying States for Radiologists (2025)
| Rank | State | Salary Range | Cost of Living | Key Market Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $450,000 – $600,000 | High | San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles metro demand; strong academic presence |
| 2 | New York | $409,782 | High | NYC and academic centers drive compensation; upstate offers lower COL |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $354,403 | High | Concentration of academic medical centers in Boston area |
| 4 | Washington | $356,971 | Moderate-High | Seattle metro and Pacific Northwest demand |
| 5 | Oregon | $350,612 | Moderate-High | Portland area and coastal communities |
| 6 | Connecticut | $450,000 – $600,000 | Moderate-High | Proximity to NYC and Boston markets |
| 7 | New Jersey | $361,359 | Moderate | Commutable to major metros; high-demand market |
| 8 | Texas | $450,000 – $600,000 | Moderate | Houston, Dallas, Austin metros; no state income tax |
| 9 | Florida | $450,000 – $600,000 | Moderate | Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville growth; no state income tax |
| 10 | Colorado | $450,000 – $550,000 | Moderate | Denver metro and mountain resort communities |
Additional High-Paying States:
- Pennsylvania: $375,232
- New Hampshire: $366,923
- Wyoming: $357,458
- Wisconsin: $354,412
- Alaska: $353,475
All Star Healthcare Solutions maintains nationwide relationships with facilities in all 50 states, connecting radiologists with opportunities matching their geographic preferences and compensation goals.
By Practice Setting
Practice setting influences both compensation structure and earning potential. Different environments offer unique benefits beyond base salary.
Large Hospital Systems: Radiologists earn $450,000 – $600,000 annually in comprehensive hospital settings. Compensation packages typically include comprehensive benefits such as malpractice coverage, CME allowances, retirement contributions, and partnership track opportunities. These positions often involve high case volumes across diverse imaging modalities.
Community Hospitals: Annual pay ranges from $400,000 – $500,000 in community settings. These positions often feature more predictable schedules, lower case complexity, and strong integration into the local healthcare community. Call requirements may be more manageable than larger systems.
Academic Medical Centers: Radiologists receive $350,000 – $500,000 annually with additional compensation for teaching, research, and subspecialty expertise. These positions offer access to cutting-edge technology and opportunities to shape the next generation of radiologists. Teaching responsibilities may reduce reading volume compared to pure clinical positions.
Outpatient Imaging Centers: Compensation reaches $500,000 – $600,000+ annually in outpatient settings. These positions typically feature lower call requirements, predictable daytime schedules, and focus on outpatient diagnostic imaging. These positions appeal to radiologists prioritizing work-life balance.
Teleradiology Companies: Pay is highly variable based on volume and flexibility. Radiologists read studies remotely and often cover overnight or weekend shifts for multiple facilities.
Locum tenens positions across all settings typically include comprehensive benefits packages. Standard inclusions are housing stipends, travel reimbursement, malpractice coverage with tail insurance, licensing support, and credentialing assistance, significantly increasing total compensation value by an estimated 20-30% beyond typical rates.
Key Compensation Factors
Beyond experience level, location, and practice setting, several additional factors significantly impact radiologist compensation.
These factors play crucial roles in determining both immediate pay and long-term career trajectory.
Education & Certifications
Advanced credentials and subspecialty training directly impact radiologist compensation. Certain specializations command significant premiums, ranging from 15-30% above general diagnostic radiology pay.
Board Certification (ABR): Board certification by the American Board of Radiology is the baseline expectation for competitive compensation in radiology. Non-certified radiologists face significant earning limitations and restricted opportunities.
Subspecialty Fellowship Training: Radiologists with fellowship training in high-demand subspecialties typically earn 15-30% more than general diagnostic radiologists. This premium translates to an additional $75,000 – $150,000 annually in permanent positions or $50 – $90 per hour for locum tenens work.
High-Value Subspecialties:
- Interventional Radiology: Commands the highest premiums across all radiology subspecialties. Compensation often exceeds diagnostic radiology by $100,000 – $200,000 annually. This premium reflects additional procedural training, call requirements, and strong facility demand for IR programs.
- Neuroradiology: Strong demand exists for specialized CNS and spine imaging expertise. Neuroradiologists are particularly valued in academic centers and comprehensive stroke centers.
- Breast Imaging: Growing demand is driven by screening programs and breast cancer detection initiatives. Dedicated breast imagers command premium compensation, with highest pay in dedicated women’s imaging centers.
- Musculoskeletal Radiology: MSK subspecialists are valued for sports medicine programs and orthopedic partnerships.
- Pediatric Radiology: Premium compensation is offered in children’s hospitals and academic medical centers due to limited fellowship-trained providers and specialized technical requirements.
Advanced Imaging Certifications: Additional certifications in specific modalities (MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, PET) enhance marketability and compensation, particularly for subspecialists.
All Star’s consultants understand how to position your credentials to maximize compensation in both locum tenens and permanent opportunities, ensuring your specialized training translates to appropriate financial recognition.
Practice Factors
Day-to-day practice factors significantly influence compensation structure and overall earning potential for radiologists.
Call Requirements: Positions requiring frequent night, weekend, or holiday call typically offer 10-20% higher compensation or additional call stipends. Locum tenens assignments specifically covering call or nighthawk reading can command a premium, particularly for subspecialty coverage. Interventional radiology call, which may require on-site procedures, typically commands the highest premiums.
Reading Volume and Productivity Expectations: Higher productivity expectations, measured in RVUs (Relative Value Units) or studies read per day, often correlate with higher base compensation but may impact work-life balance. Understanding volume expectations relative to compensation is crucial for comparing opportunities. Teleradiology positions often compensate per study read rather than hourly, creating variable earning potential based on efficiency and volume.
Modality Mix and Case Complexity: Positions requiring interpretation across multiple imaging modalities (plain film, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine) may command higher compensation than single-modality focus. Subspecialists reading complex cases (neuro CT/MRI, interventional procedures, advanced cardiac imaging) typically earn more than general diagnostic radiologists handling routine studies.
Autonomy vs. Collaboration: Practice structure impacts both workflow and compensation. Partnership-track positions in private practice groups may offer lower starting salaries but significant long-term earning potential through profit-sharing and ownership. Hospital employment typically provides stable compensation without profit-sharing upside but also without business management responsibilities.
Administrative Responsibilities: Medical director roles, section chiefs, and radiologists with quality assurance, IT, or leadership responsibilities typically receive additional compensation beyond clinical reading. Locum tenens positions typically minimize administrative responsibilities, allowing focus purely on clinical interpretation and maximizing time spent on compensated activities.
Market Demand
Market dynamics directly impact radiologist compensation and opportunity availability. Strong demand creates favorable conditions for both locum tenens and permanent positions.
Current Shortage: The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of radiologists through 2030, driven by increased imaging utilization, aging population requiring more diagnostic studies, and retirement of senior radiologists. This sustained shortage drives competitive compensation across all practice settings and experience levels.
Growing Imaging Utilization: Healthcare systems’ increasing reliance on advanced imaging for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring creates expanding demand. CT and MRI volume growth outpaces radiologist workforce expansion, particularly for subspecialty interpretation.
Telehealth and Remote Reading Expansion: The normalization of teleradiology during and after the COVID-19 pandemic created new compensation models and geographic flexibility. Radiologists can now serve multiple facilities remotely, often with premium compensation for off-hours coverage while maintaining desired lifestyle and location.
Urgent Coverage Needs: Facilities facing immediate coverage gaps, due to provider departures, sudden volume increases, or credentialing delays for permanent hires, often offer 20-40% above standard locum tenens rates for rapid deployment. Holiday coverage, particularly Christmas and New Year periods, commands premium rates.
Subspecialty Demand Variations: While all radiology subspecialties face workforce shortages, interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and breast imaging experience particularly acute demand. Facilities compete aggressively for qualified providers in these subspecialties.
This sustained demand creates exceptional opportunities for radiologists exploring locum tenens as a career path, supplemental income source, or transition strategy between permanent positions. The market strongly favors providers willing to bring expertise to underserved areas or high-need facilities.
All Star Healthcare Advantage
Competitive compensation matters, but it’s just one piece of your career satisfaction and financial success. At All Star Healthcare Solutions, we partner with radiologists to maximize not just earning potential, but overall career fulfillment through our comprehensive support and signature Red Carpet Service.
With over 20 years connecting radiologists to opportunities nationwide, we understand what matters most to you, whether that’s maximizing income through strategic locum tenens assignments, exploring different practice environments before committing to permanent roles, or achieving better work-life balance through flexible scheduling. Here’s how we support your success:
Expert Compensation Negotiation and Market Intelligence
Our consultants understand radiologist market rates across all 50 states, subspecialties, and practice settings. We negotiate on your behalf to ensure competitive compensation while explaining the full value of benefits packages, from malpractice coverage and tail insurance to housing stipends, travel reimbursement, CME allowances, and licensing support.
We provide transparent market intelligence about what your specific combination of experience, subspecialty training, and preferences should command. This expertise means you focus on choosing the right opportunity while we handle the financial details, ensuring you’re fairly compensated for your skills and experience. Unlike many staffing firms, we’re upfront about how we’re compensated, building trust through transparency rather than obscuring our business model.
Comprehensive Credentialing and Licensing Support
Credentialing and multi-state licensing create significant administrative burdens for radiologists pursuing locum tenens opportunities. We handle the entire credentialing process, managing applications, following up with facilities, and ensuring timely completion so you can start assignments on schedule.
For radiologists working in multiple states, we support multi-state medical licensing applications and renewals, reducing the paperwork burden that often discourages providers from exploring geographic flexibility. Our team manages ongoing renewals, tracks expiration dates, and ensures you maintain credentials for future opportunities. This support removes administrative friction, allowing you to focus on clinical excellence while we ensure you’re ready to practice wherever opportunities arise.
Flexible Assignment Options Matching Your Goals
We specialize in matching radiologists to positions aligning with your preferences, not just filling our clients’ openings with whichever provider is available. Whether you prefer academic medical centers with cutting-edge technology, community hospitals with manageable call schedules, teleradiology reading from home, or locum tenens assignments exploring different regions, we listen first and present options matching your stated goals.
Our assignment options range from short-term coverage (1-4 weeks) ideal for supplemental income between permanent positions, to long-term locum contracts (3-12 months) allowing you to thoroughly evaluate a community and facility before considering permanent commitment. Many of our radiologists use locum tenens as a “try-before-you-commit” strategy, working temporarily at facilities before accepting permanent offers, reducing the risk of poor cultural fits or misaligned expectations.
We understand that work-life balance matters as much as compensation. If you need specific scheduling accommodations, preferred locations, or particular practice environments, we work to find opportunities matching your requirements rather than pressuring you to accept misaligned positions.
24/7 Dedicated Support Throughout Your Assignment
Unlike staffing firms that disappear after placement, All Star provides dedicated consultant relationships with 24/7 availability throughout your assignments. Your consultant serves as your advocate, handling issues that arise, answering questions about contracts or logistics, and ensuring smooth experiences from interview through assignment completion.
If challenges emerge during assignments, facility expectations differing from what was communicated, housing issues, scheduling conflicts, or other concerns, we intervene on your behalf to find solutions. This ongoing support means you’re never alone in navigating the locum tenens experience.
Our consultants build career-long partnerships, getting to know your evolving preferences and career goals. As your circumstances change, family situations, financial goals, desired locations, we adapt recommendations accordingly. Many All Star radiologists work with the same consultant for years, creating relationships built on trust, understanding, and shared success.
Ready to Explore Radiology Opportunities?
Whether you’re exploring locum tenens for the first time, seeking to maximize your income through strategic assignments, or ready to find your next permanent position, All Star Healthcare Solutions is here to guide you. Our consultants specialize in radiology placements and understand the unique challenges radiologists face, from managing high reading volumes and call requirements to seeking better work-life balance.
With opportunities nationwide, from major academic medical centers to community hospitals, teleradiology positions to outpatient imaging centers, we’ll match you with positions that align with your compensation goals, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations.
Our Red Carpet Service means you’ll receive personalized attention from initial conversation through assignment completion and beyond. We’re not just filling positions; we’re building career-long partnerships with radiologists who value authentic relationships, transparent communication, and unwavering support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiologist Salaries
What is the average salary for a radiologist in 2025?
Radiologists earn an average of approximately $500,000 annually in permanent positions, with compensation varying by subspecialty, experience, and location. Interventional radiologists earn at the higher end while early-career general diagnostic radiologists start at the lower end.
Locum tenens radiologists can match or exceed these annual figures.
How much do locum tenens radiologists earn compared to permanent positions?
Locum tenens radiologists typically earn ~110%–160% of the full-time equivalent hourly rate, reflecting a premium over permanent positions. As a result, radiologists working locum tenens on a full-time basis can achieve annual earnings equal to or higher than permanent roles. This is comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, permanent salaries that generally fall between $400,000 and $600,000.
Locum tenens rates include malpractice insurance with tail coverage, medical licensing fees, travel expenses, and housing stipends. These benefits reduce take-home pay for permanently employed radiologists by an estimated 20-30%. All Star consultants help you compare total package value across opportunities to maximize earning potential.
Do radiologists earn more in certain states or regions?
Yes, West Coast states (California, Washington, Oregon) and Northeast states (New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut) typically offer the highest radiologist salaries. However, Mountain West and Southeast growth markets often provide better purchasing power when adjusted for cost of living.
Rural and underserved areas frequently offer premium compensation to attract radiologists, sometimes exceeding major metropolitan salaries despite lower living costs. Locum tenens assignments in these areas can be particularly lucrative, with facilities offering significant premiums for providers willing to serve temporary coverage needs.
How does subspecialty training affect radiologist salary?
Subspecialty fellowship training significantly increases earning potential, with interventional radiologists earning $100,000 – $200,000 more than general diagnostic radiologists. Neuroradiology, breast imaging, and musculoskeletal radiology subspecialists also command premiums reflecting specialized expertise.
The compensation advantage extends throughout your career. Subspecialists access more opportunities, gain greater negotiating leverage, and earn higher locum tenens rates. Facilities with specialized programs, comprehensive stroke centers, women’s imaging centers, orthopedic surgery programs, actively recruit subspecialty-trained radiologists and compensate accordingly.
What’s included in locum tenens radiologist compensation beyond hourly rate?
Locum tenens packages include malpractice insurance with full tail coverage, housing stipends or furnished accommodations, and travel reimbursement for flights and mileage. Additional benefits include medical licensing support with application fees, credentialing assistance, CME reimbursement, and weekly or bi-weekly payment.
These benefits add an estimated 20-30% to effective hourly compensation when comparing locum tenens to permanent positions. All Star consultants provide detailed breakdowns helping you understand total package value beyond stated rates.
Standard locum tenens benefits:
- Malpractice insurance with tail coverage
- Housing stipends or furnished temporary accommodations
- Travel reimbursement (flights, mileage, local transportation)
- Medical licensing support and application fees
- Credentialing assistance for facility requirements
- CME reimbursement for continuing education
- Weekly or bi-weekly payment for better cash flow
How can I maximize my earning potential as a radiologist?
Maximize earning potential by pursuing subspecialty fellowship training, particularly interventional radiology. Geographic flexibility to work in underserved or high-need regions significantly increases compensation for locum tenens assignments.
Additional strategies include developing multi-modality expertise across CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Build strong negotiation intelligence by understanding market rates for your experience and training, All Star provides this intelligence. Explore locum tenens strategically in high-need areas or during peak demand periods like holidays. Maintain board certification and continuing education to access premium opportunities.
Key strategies:
- Pursue subspecialty training (interventional radiology offers highest premiums)
- Consider geographic flexibility for underserved areas
- Develop multi-modality interpretation expertise
- Build negotiation intelligence about market rates
- Explore strategic locum tenens during high-demand periods
- Maintain board certification and subspecialty credentials
Do interventional radiologists earn significantly more than diagnostic radiologists?
Yes, interventional radiologists typically earn 15-30% more than diagnostic radiologists, with compensation reaching $600,000 – $800,000 annually in permanent positions.
The premium reflects additional fellowship training, call responsibilities involving on-site procedures, higher liability exposure from invasive procedures, and strong facility demand for interventional programs. Interventional radiologists also access facility-based compensation models that can significantly increase earnings beyond employed salaries.
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Quick Facts: Radiologist Compensation 2026
| Average annual salary | $500,000 |
| Highest-paying subspecialty | Interventional Radiology (IR) and Neuroradiology |
| Top-paying states/regions | New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Wyoming |
Locum tenens radiology subspecialists (and those willing to serve high-need areas) often receive premium pay 15-25% above standard rates.
Radiologist Salary Overview
Radiologist compensation varies based on subspecialty training, practice setting, geographic location, and years of experience. Across the United States, radiologists remain among the highest-paid physicians, reflecting both the technical expertise required and the critical role diagnostic imaging plays in patient care.
Subspecialty-trained radiologists, particularly interventional radiologists, neuroradiologists, and breast imaging specialists, typically command pay at the higher end of compensation ranges. This section breaks down how experience level, geographic region, and practice setting influence earning potential for both locum tenens and permanent radiology positions.
By Experience Level
Experience significantly impacts radiologist compensation. Earning potential increases as you build expertise and develop subspecialty skills.
| Experience Level | Permanent Annual Salary | Typical Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | $400,000 – $500,000 | General diagnostic radiology, building foundational skills |
| Mid-Career | $500,000 – $600,000 | Subspecialty certification emerging, proven accuracy |
| Experienced | $600,000 – $650,000+ | Subspecialty expert, leadership roles available |
Highest-Paying States/Regions for Radiologists
Geographic location significantly influences radiologist compensation. Factors including cost of living, provider shortages, and regional healthcare demand drive salary ranges.
Top-Paying States for Radiologists (2025)
| Rank | State | Salary Range | Cost of Living | Key Market Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $450,000 – $600,000 | High | San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles metro demand; strong academic presence |
| 2 | New York | $409,782 | High | NYC and academic centers drive compensation; upstate offers lower COL |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $354,403 | High | Concentration of academic medical centers in Boston area |
| 4 | Washington | $356,971 | Moderate-High | Seattle metro and Pacific Northwest demand |
| 5 | Oregon | $350,612 | Moderate-High | Portland area and coastal communities |
| 6 | Connecticut | $450,000 – $600,000 | Moderate-High | Proximity to NYC and Boston markets |
| 7 | New Jersey | $361,359 | Moderate | Commutable to major metros; high-demand market |
| 8 | Texas | $450,000 – $600,000 | Moderate | Houston, Dallas, Austin metros; no state income tax |
| 9 | Florida | $450,000 – $600,000 | Moderate | Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville growth; no state income tax |
| 10 | Colorado | $450,000 – $550,000 | Moderate | Denver metro and mountain resort communities |
Additional High-Paying States:
- Pennsylvania: $375,232
- New Hampshire: $366,923
- Wyoming: $357,458
- Wisconsin: $354,412
- Alaska: $353,475
All Star Healthcare Solutions maintains nationwide relationships with facilities in all 50 states, connecting radiologists with opportunities matching their geographic preferences and compensation goals.
By Practice Setting
Practice setting influences both compensation structure and earning potential. Different environments offer unique benefits beyond base salary.
Large Hospital Systems: Radiologists earn $450,000 – $600,000 annually in comprehensive hospital settings. Compensation packages typically include comprehensive benefits such as malpractice coverage, CME allowances, retirement contributions, and partnership track opportunities. These positions often involve high case volumes across diverse imaging modalities.
Community Hospitals: Annual pay ranges from $400,000 – $500,000 in community settings. These positions often feature more predictable schedules, lower case complexity, and strong integration into the local healthcare community. Call requirements may be more manageable than larger systems.
Academic Medical Centers: Radiologists receive $350,000 – $500,000 annually with additional compensation for teaching, research, and subspecialty expertise. These positions offer access to cutting-edge technology and opportunities to shape the next generation of radiologists. Teaching responsibilities may reduce reading volume compared to pure clinical positions.
Outpatient Imaging Centers: Compensation reaches $500,000 – $600,000+ annually in outpatient settings. These positions typically feature lower call requirements, predictable daytime schedules, and focus on outpatient diagnostic imaging. These positions appeal to radiologists prioritizing work-life balance.
Teleradiology Companies: Pay is highly variable based on volume and flexibility. Radiologists read studies remotely and often cover overnight or weekend shifts for multiple facilities.
Locum tenens positions across all settings typically include comprehensive benefits packages. Standard inclusions are housing stipends, travel reimbursement, malpractice coverage with tail insurance, licensing support, and credentialing assistance, significantly increasing total compensation value by an estimated 20-30% beyond typical rates.
Key Compensation Factors
Beyond experience level, location, and practice setting, several additional factors significantly impact radiologist compensation.
These factors play crucial roles in determining both immediate pay and long-term career trajectory.
Education & Certifications
Advanced credentials and subspecialty training directly impact radiologist compensation. Certain specializations command significant premiums, ranging from 15-30% above general diagnostic radiology pay.
Board Certification (ABR): Board certification by the American Board of Radiology is the baseline expectation for competitive compensation in radiology. Non-certified radiologists face significant earning limitations and restricted opportunities.
Subspecialty Fellowship Training: Radiologists with fellowship training in high-demand subspecialties typically earn 15-30% more than general diagnostic radiologists. This premium translates to an additional $75,000 – $150,000 annually in permanent positions or $50 – $90 per hour for locum tenens work.
High-Value Subspecialties:
- Interventional Radiology: Commands the highest premiums across all radiology subspecialties. Compensation often exceeds diagnostic radiology by $100,000 – $200,000 annually. This premium reflects additional procedural training, call requirements, and strong facility demand for IR programs.
- Neuroradiology: Strong demand exists for specialized CNS and spine imaging expertise. Neuroradiologists are particularly valued in academic centers and comprehensive stroke centers.
- Breast Imaging: Growing demand is driven by screening programs and breast cancer detection initiatives. Dedicated breast imagers command premium compensation, with highest pay in dedicated women’s imaging centers.
- Musculoskeletal Radiology: MSK subspecialists are valued for sports medicine programs and orthopedic partnerships.
- Pediatric Radiology: Premium compensation is offered in children’s hospitals and academic medical centers due to limited fellowship-trained providers and specialized technical requirements.
Advanced Imaging Certifications: Additional certifications in specific modalities (MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, PET) enhance marketability and compensation, particularly for subspecialists.
All Star’s consultants understand how to position your credentials to maximize compensation in both locum tenens and permanent opportunities, ensuring your specialized training translates to appropriate financial recognition.
Practice Factors
Day-to-day practice factors significantly influence compensation structure and overall earning potential for radiologists.
Call Requirements: Positions requiring frequent night, weekend, or holiday call typically offer 10-20% higher compensation or additional call stipends. Locum tenens assignments specifically covering call or nighthawk reading can command a premium, particularly for subspecialty coverage. Interventional radiology call, which may require on-site procedures, typically commands the highest premiums.
Reading Volume and Productivity Expectations: Higher productivity expectations, measured in RVUs (Relative Value Units) or studies read per day, often correlate with higher base compensation but may impact work-life balance. Understanding volume expectations relative to compensation is crucial for comparing opportunities. Teleradiology positions often compensate per study read rather than hourly, creating variable earning potential based on efficiency and volume.
Modality Mix and Case Complexity: Positions requiring interpretation across multiple imaging modalities (plain film, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine) may command higher compensation than single-modality focus. Subspecialists reading complex cases (neuro CT/MRI, interventional procedures, advanced cardiac imaging) typically earn more than general diagnostic radiologists handling routine studies.
Autonomy vs. Collaboration: Practice structure impacts both workflow and compensation. Partnership-track positions in private practice groups may offer lower starting salaries but significant long-term earning potential through profit-sharing and ownership. Hospital employment typically provides stable compensation without profit-sharing upside but also without business management responsibilities.
Administrative Responsibilities: Medical director roles, section chiefs, and radiologists with quality assurance, IT, or leadership responsibilities typically receive additional compensation beyond clinical reading. Locum tenens positions typically minimize administrative responsibilities, allowing focus purely on clinical interpretation and maximizing time spent on compensated activities.
Market Demand
Market dynamics directly impact radiologist compensation and opportunity availability. Strong demand creates favorable conditions for both locum tenens and permanent positions.
Current Shortage: The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of radiologists through 2030, driven by increased imaging utilization, aging population requiring more diagnostic studies, and retirement of senior radiologists. This sustained shortage drives competitive compensation across all practice settings and experience levels.
Growing Imaging Utilization: Healthcare systems’ increasing reliance on advanced imaging for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring creates expanding demand. CT and MRI volume growth outpaces radiologist workforce expansion, particularly for subspecialty interpretation.
Telehealth and Remote Reading Expansion: The normalization of teleradiology during and after the COVID-19 pandemic created new compensation models and geographic flexibility. Radiologists can now serve multiple facilities remotely, often with premium compensation for off-hours coverage while maintaining desired lifestyle and location.
Urgent Coverage Needs: Facilities facing immediate coverage gaps, due to provider departures, sudden volume increases, or credentialing delays for permanent hires, often offer 20-40% above standard locum tenens rates for rapid deployment. Holiday coverage, particularly Christmas and New Year periods, commands premium rates.
Subspecialty Demand Variations: While all radiology subspecialties face workforce shortages, interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and breast imaging experience particularly acute demand. Facilities compete aggressively for qualified providers in these subspecialties.
This sustained demand creates exceptional opportunities for radiologists exploring locum tenens as a career path, supplemental income source, or transition strategy between permanent positions. The market strongly favors providers willing to bring expertise to underserved areas or high-need facilities.
All Star Healthcare Advantage
Competitive compensation matters, but it’s just one piece of your career satisfaction and financial success. At All Star Healthcare Solutions, we partner with radiologists to maximize not just earning potential, but overall career fulfillment through our comprehensive support and signature Red Carpet Service.
With over 20 years connecting radiologists to opportunities nationwide, we understand what matters most to you, whether that’s maximizing income through strategic locum tenens assignments, exploring different practice environments before committing to permanent roles, or achieving better work-life balance through flexible scheduling. Here’s how we support your success:
Expert Compensation Negotiation and Market Intelligence
Our consultants understand radiologist market rates across all 50 states, subspecialties, and practice settings. We negotiate on your behalf to ensure competitive compensation while explaining the full value of benefits packages, from malpractice coverage and tail insurance to housing stipends, travel reimbursement, CME allowances, and licensing support.
We provide transparent market intelligence about what your specific combination of experience, subspecialty training, and preferences should command. This expertise means you focus on choosing the right opportunity while we handle the financial details, ensuring you’re fairly compensated for your skills and experience. Unlike many staffing firms, we’re upfront about how we’re compensated, building trust through transparency rather than obscuring our business model.
Comprehensive Credentialing and Licensing Support
Credentialing and multi-state licensing create significant administrative burdens for radiologists pursuing locum tenens opportunities. We handle the entire credentialing process, managing applications, following up with facilities, and ensuring timely completion so you can start assignments on schedule.
For radiologists working in multiple states, we support multi-state medical licensing applications and renewals, reducing the paperwork burden that often discourages providers from exploring geographic flexibility. Our team manages ongoing renewals, tracks expiration dates, and ensures you maintain credentials for future opportunities. This support removes administrative friction, allowing you to focus on clinical excellence while we ensure you’re ready to practice wherever opportunities arise.
Flexible Assignment Options Matching Your Goals
We specialize in matching radiologists to positions aligning with your preferences, not just filling our clients’ openings with whichever provider is available. Whether you prefer academic medical centers with cutting-edge technology, community hospitals with manageable call schedules, teleradiology reading from home, or locum tenens assignments exploring different regions, we listen first and present options matching your stated goals.
Our assignment options range from short-term coverage (1-4 weeks) ideal for supplemental income between permanent positions, to long-term locum contracts (3-12 months) allowing you to thoroughly evaluate a community and facility before considering permanent commitment. Many of our radiologists use locum tenens as a “try-before-you-commit” strategy, working temporarily at facilities before accepting permanent offers, reducing the risk of poor cultural fits or misaligned expectations.
We understand that work-life balance matters as much as compensation. If you need specific scheduling accommodations, preferred locations, or particular practice environments, we work to find opportunities matching your requirements rather than pressuring you to accept misaligned positions.
24/7 Dedicated Support Throughout Your Assignment
Unlike staffing firms that disappear after placement, All Star provides dedicated consultant relationships with 24/7 availability throughout your assignments. Your consultant serves as your advocate, handling issues that arise, answering questions about contracts or logistics, and ensuring smooth experiences from interview through assignment completion.
If challenges emerge during assignments, facility expectations differing from what was communicated, housing issues, scheduling conflicts, or other concerns, we intervene on your behalf to find solutions. This ongoing support means you’re never alone in navigating the locum tenens experience.
Our consultants build career-long partnerships, getting to know your evolving preferences and career goals. As your circumstances change, family situations, financial goals, desired locations, we adapt recommendations accordingly. Many All Star radiologists work with the same consultant for years, creating relationships built on trust, understanding, and shared success.
Ready to Explore Radiology Opportunities?
Whether you’re exploring locum tenens for the first time, seeking to maximize your income through strategic assignments, or ready to find your next permanent position, All Star Healthcare Solutions is here to guide you. Our consultants specialize in radiology placements and understand the unique challenges radiologists face, from managing high reading volumes and call requirements to seeking better work-life balance.
With opportunities nationwide, from major academic medical centers to community hospitals, teleradiology positions to outpatient imaging centers, we’ll match you with positions that align with your compensation goals, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations.
Our Red Carpet Service means you’ll receive personalized attention from initial conversation through assignment completion and beyond. We’re not just filling positions; we’re building career-long partnerships with radiologists who value authentic relationships, transparent communication, and unwavering support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiologist Salaries
What is the average salary for a radiologist in 2025?
Radiologists earn an average of approximately $500,000 annually in permanent positions, with compensation varying by subspecialty, experience, and location. Interventional radiologists earn at the higher end while early-career general diagnostic radiologists start at the lower end.
Locum tenens radiologists can match or exceed these annual figures.
How much do locum tenens radiologists earn compared to permanent positions?
Locum tenens radiologists typically earn ~110%–160% of the full-time equivalent hourly rate, reflecting a premium over permanent positions. As a result, radiologists working locum tenens on a full-time basis can achieve annual earnings equal to or higher than permanent roles. This is comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, permanent salaries that generally fall between $400,000 and $600,000.
Locum tenens rates include malpractice insurance with tail coverage, medical licensing fees, travel expenses, and housing stipends. These benefits reduce take-home pay for permanently employed radiologists by an estimated 20-30%. All Star consultants help you compare total package value across opportunities to maximize earning potential.
Do radiologists earn more in certain states or regions?
Yes, West Coast states (California, Washington, Oregon) and Northeast states (New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut) typically offer the highest radiologist salaries. However, Mountain West and Southeast growth markets often provide better purchasing power when adjusted for cost of living.
Rural and underserved areas frequently offer premium compensation to attract radiologists, sometimes exceeding major metropolitan salaries despite lower living costs. Locum tenens assignments in these areas can be particularly lucrative, with facilities offering significant premiums for providers willing to serve temporary coverage needs.
How does subspecialty training affect radiologist salary?
Subspecialty fellowship training significantly increases earning potential, with interventional radiologists earning $100,000 – $200,000 more than general diagnostic radiologists. Neuroradiology, breast imaging, and musculoskeletal radiology subspecialists also command premiums reflecting specialized expertise.
The compensation advantage extends throughout your career. Subspecialists access more opportunities, gain greater negotiating leverage, and earn higher locum tenens rates. Facilities with specialized programs, comprehensive stroke centers, women’s imaging centers, orthopedic surgery programs, actively recruit subspecialty-trained radiologists and compensate accordingly.
What’s included in locum tenens radiologist compensation beyond hourly rate?
Locum tenens packages include malpractice insurance with full tail coverage, housing stipends or furnished accommodations, and travel reimbursement for flights and mileage. Additional benefits include medical licensing support with application fees, credentialing assistance, CME reimbursement, and weekly or bi-weekly payment.
These benefits add an estimated 20-30% to effective hourly compensation when comparing locum tenens to permanent positions. All Star consultants provide detailed breakdowns helping you understand total package value beyond stated rates.
Standard locum tenens benefits:
- Malpractice insurance with tail coverage
- Housing stipends or furnished temporary accommodations
- Travel reimbursement (flights, mileage, local transportation)
- Medical licensing support and application fees
- Credentialing assistance for facility requirements
- CME reimbursement for continuing education
- Weekly or bi-weekly payment for better cash flow
How can I maximize my earning potential as a radiologist?
Maximize earning potential by pursuing subspecialty fellowship training, particularly interventional radiology. Geographic flexibility to work in underserved or high-need regions significantly increases compensation for locum tenens assignments.
Additional strategies include developing multi-modality expertise across CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Build strong negotiation intelligence by understanding market rates for your experience and training, All Star provides this intelligence. Explore locum tenens strategically in high-need areas or during peak demand periods like holidays. Maintain board certification and continuing education to access premium opportunities.
Key strategies:
- Pursue subspecialty training (interventional radiology offers highest premiums)
- Consider geographic flexibility for underserved areas
- Develop multi-modality interpretation expertise
- Build negotiation intelligence about market rates
- Explore strategic locum tenens during high-demand periods
- Maintain board certification and subspecialty credentials
Do interventional radiologists earn significantly more than diagnostic radiologists?
Yes, interventional radiologists typically earn 15-30% more than diagnostic radiologists, with compensation reaching $600,000 – $800,000 annually in permanent positions.
The premium reflects additional fellowship training, call responsibilities involving on-site procedures, higher liability exposure from invasive procedures, and strong facility demand for interventional programs. Interventional radiologists also access facility-based compensation models that can significantly increase earnings beyond employed salaries.
Data Sources Cited
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