Radiologists play a critical role in diagnosis and treatment planning, increasing their demand in the medical industry. Some of the highest-paying radiology jobs require specialized and extensive training beyond medical school, plus fellowships for subspecialties. Higher knowledge demands higher compensation.
Certain subspecialties offer particularly attractive earning potential and pathways for career growth. As medical imaging technology continues to advance, radiologist earnings for the most in-demand subspecialties will continue to rise across the country.
Beyond the substantial salaries, these radiology niches provide the opportunity for professional development, leadership roles, and innovations that improve technology and patient outcomes.
Whether you’re a medical student considering your future specialization, or a practicing radiologist interested in advancing your career, understanding these top-tier subspecialties can help unlock professional satisfaction and financial success.
Why choose medical imaging as a career?
Beyond the job security and lucrative earning potential, a career in medical imaging is rewarding on a deeper level. Radiologic and imaging professionals are key members of the healthcare team. Their skills can mean the difference between a deadly condition being detected or missed.
Imaging modalities have become more sophisticated, delivering insights into the human body that were unimaginable even a decade ago. Medical imaging roles will only grow in demand and importance as this technology rapidly progresses, coupled with an aging population and rising health complexities.
Some of the key reasons medical students choose careers in radiology1 include:
Medical imaging represents the intersection of compassionate patient care and continuous medical advancement. Mastering imaging techniques and interpretation can pinpoint a life-threatening disease in time for effective treatment. Your innovation may seed the next imaging breakthrough that revolutionizes patient care.
How much do radiologists make?
Radiologist earnings rank among the highest in the medical field3. The prospect of securing such a lucrative salary offsets the years of specialized training radiology careers demand.
The average radiologist salary per hour is $170.17, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Demand for radiologist professionals in all specialties and subspecialties is expected to grow by 5.2%.
Physician offices employ the highest number of radiologists, with an annual mean wage of $392,790. The second largest employer of radiology professionals is general medical and surgical hospitals. BLS did not release an average annual wage for radiologists working in this industry.
What are the highest-paying radiology jobs?
Radiology’s top earning potential isn’t limited to general radiologists. Several subspecialties and focused disciplines boast salaries that dwarf these national averages.
These elite areas of expertise combine advanced technology, specialized skills, and critical patient care roles that can push the boundaries of medical science.
1 – Neuroradiologist
Neuroradiology focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions of the brain, spine, head, and neck using imaging techniques like MRI, CT, and angiography.
The radiologist salary per hour for neuroradiologists is $183.804. The highest-paying cities for this subspecialty of radiology include San Jose ($224.36 per hour), Oakland ($222.58 per hour), and Hayward ($217.56 per hour), all in California.
Becoming a neuroradiologist requires a medical degree, a four-year radiology residency, a fellowship in neuroradiology, and subspecialty certification in neuroradiology from the American Board of Radiology5.
2 – Interventional Radiologist
Interventional radiology involves minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds. Procedures include angioplasty, stent placement, biopsies, and treatment of tumors.
The average hourly wage for interventional radiologists is $167.00<sup>6</sup>. The highest-paying cities for this radiology subspecialty include Santa Clara, CA ($204.46 per hour), Federal Way, WA ($201.94 per hour), and Washington, D.C. ($201.32 per hour).
Becoming an interventional radiologist requires a medical degree, a four-year radiology residency, a fellowship in interventional radiology, and board certification from the American Board of Radiology7.
3 – Pediatric Radiologist
Pediatric radiologists use imaging to diagnose medical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Medical technology used to do their jobs includes X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds tailored to pediatric patients.
The national average for pediatric radiologists is $192.00 per hour (8). The highest-paying cities for this radiology subspecialty are Santa Clara, CA ($232.00 per hour), Federal Way, WA ($228.49 per hour), and Washington, D.C. ($228.08 per hour).
Becoming a pediatric radiologist requires a medical degree, a four-year radiology residency, a fellowship in pediatric radiology, and subspecialty certification in pediatric radiology from the American Board of Radiology (9).
Other factors that influence radiologist earnings
Education and location may influence radiologist earnings. However, they aren’t the only factors that can raise or lower wages from the national average.
The most experienced radiologists generally earn higher salaries. As they advance in their careers, they develop specialized skills and expertise that command higher pay.
Radiologists working in private practice often earn more than their counterparts in hospitals. The complexity and variety of procedures and proficiency in advanced technologies can boost radiologist earnings as well.
Radiology fellowships can significantly increase wages by providing specialized training and expertise that’s highly valued in the field. Fellowship programs like those offered by Medality provide real-world practice and expert-led instruction that prepares radiologists pursuing sub-specialties for the kind of high-yield cases they’ll handle.
Start an exciting career in radiology
Radiology provides the perfect blend of professional passion and financial rewards for medical students who excel at visualizing complex anatomical data and have an aptitude for operating cutting-edge medical imaging equipment.
Demand for skilled radiologists remains strong, ensuring a bright future for those interested in making a difference in the medical field. Whether you’re driven by the high salaries, intellectual challenges, or opportunity to meaningfully impact patient outcomes, a career in radiology can provide all three.
1. Why Medical Students Pursue Radiology: A Current Longitudinal Survey on Motivations and Controversial Issues in Radiology. sciencedirect.com. Accessed June 10, 2024.
2. Specialty Profiles. careersinmedicine.aamc.org. Accessed June 10, 2024.
3. Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 – Radiologists. bls.gov. Accessed June 10, 2024.
4. Neuroradiologist Salary. ziprecruiter.com. Accessed June 10, 2024.
5. Neuroradiology. theabr.org. Accessed June 10, 2024.
6. Interventional Radiologist Salary. ziprecruiter.com. Accessed June 10, 2024.
7. Interventional Radiology. theabr.org. Accessed June 10, 2024.
8. Pediatric Radiologist Salary. ziprecruiter.com. Accessed June 10, 2024.
