Explore radiologist salary ranges, hourly rates, and how subspecialty and locum work shape earning potential.
Radiology is one of the clearest examples in medicine where the highest compensation comes from how physicians structure their work, not just the specialty itself. Most full-time radiologists earn between $360,000 and $572,000 annually, with interventional radiology and subspecialty reads pushing higher.
| Source | What it Measures | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2024 (SOC 29-1224) | Mean annual wage | $359,820 |
| Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Average total compensation | $526,000 |
| Doximity Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Median total compensation | $571,749 |
Radiology is one of the clearest examples in medicine where the highest compensation comes from how physicians structure their work, not just the specialty itself.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed (BLS mean) | ~$173 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $340 /hr |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $400 /hr |
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 29-1224; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
Radiology locum income scales with modality scarcity. Interventional, subspecialty, and hard-to-staff on-site coverage consistently command the highest premiums.
Radiology pay is driven by modality demand and on-site coverage requirements. Interventional radiology and subspecialty reads command premiums in any market.
Teleradiology has expanded coverage options but has not eliminated the premium for on-site and subspecialty reads. The highest locum rates remain in on-site and interventional roles.
A standard full-time radiologist reads 60 to 100 studies per day in diagnostic roles, with interventional radiologists performing 8 to 15 procedures per day. Teleradiology has expanded the market for remote reads, but on-site and interventional coverage remains the highest-demand and highest-compensated segment of the locum market.
Locum rates range from $340 to $400 per hour. The four scenarios below use representative rates from within that band.
To exceed $800,000: target interventional coverage, high-acuity on-site diagnostic blocks, combine on-site with teleradiology reads, and focus on subspecialty reads (neuroradiology, pediatric, MSK).
Radiology locum income scales with modality scarcity. Interventional, subspecialty, and hard-to-staff on-site coverage consistently command the highest premiums.
A $375/hr locum rate versus a $173/hr W-2 equivalent is a substantial structural advantage. 1099 radiologists unlock business deductions across licensing, CME, travel, and equipment; higher retirement contributions through a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k); the Qualified Business Income deduction of up to 20%; and S-corp structuring at higher income levels. Barton partners with Earned to help locum physicians navigate these decisions.
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
We’ll schedule a phone consultation to discuss your interests, goals, and work history to find the right opportunities.
Your Barton rep will submit your information to the facility you want to take an assignment at and work on next steps.
Barton handles licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive so you’re ready on day one.
Most earn between $359,820 (BLS mean) and $571,749 (Doximity median). Medscape reports an average of $526,000 in total compensation. Interventional radiologists and subspecialists consistently earn above the general radiology median.
W-2 employed radiologists average approximately $173 per hour based on BLS data. Locum tenens rates range from $340 to $400 per hour, with the top of the band reserved for interventional and subspecialty on-site coverage.
Yes. Full-time locum roles can reach approximately $672,000 annually at $400/hr working 42 weeks per year. Hybrid models combining employed income with regular locum weeks can push total compensation above $751,000.
Interventional and subspecialty roles command premiums in any market. On-site coverage in rural and critical access hospitals pays the highest locum rates because teleradiology cannot substitute for procedural presence.
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