Radiologists are some of the best-paid personnel in the healthcare industry and for good reasons. They play a critical role in diagnosing diseases and monitoring treatment, which they accomplish through the interpretation of medical imaging results.
As radiology continues to evolve, so will the radiologist’s role, requiring an even higher level of specialization and experience. This means the most sought-after radiology subspecialties will continue to command even higher salaries in the near future. As a doctor or medical student, understanding these elite subspecialties can enhance career satisfaction and unlock financial success.
Why Are Radiologists So Highly Paid?
Radiologists, just like other specialized doctors, are in high demand due to the essential nature of their services. Some of the reasons they attract six-figure salaries include:
- Expensive training: It takes over 12 years of tertiary education and training to qualify as a radiologist, coming at a steep cost of $100,000 to 200,000.
- Radiologists have a wide skill set that goes beyond interpreting complex medical imaging. They must also have communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to put in long hours of work.
- Exposure to malpractice litigation: Malpractice insurance premiums are expensive and are usually factored in the radiologists’ salaries
- Radio-imaging & diagnostics is needed by a wide range of patients, meaning high demand for radiology services and better pay for radiologists
How Much Do Radiologists Make in The US?
A radiologist’s salary depends on various factors, including their field of expertise, subspecialty demand, types of medical facilities, and geographic location.
The average radiologist’s annual pay is about $392,790 a year, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This translates to an approximate hourly rate of $170 and a monthly salary of about $32,732.
Which are the best-paying radiology jobs?
Neuroradiologist
Neuroradiologists are specialized doctors who diagnose and treat abnormalities of the human nervous system, including the brain, spine, and head & neck. They use imaging techniques like MRI, CT, and angiography.
A neuroradiologist’s salary averages $183.80 per hour, with some cities like San Jose and Oakland attracting hourly rates of over $200. To qualify as a Neuroradiologist you need a medical degree, a four-year radiology residency, a fellowship in neuroradiology, and subspecialty certification in neuroradiology from the American Board of Radiology.
Interventional Radiologist
An interventional radiologist performs various minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty, biopsies, and stent placement using medical imaging techniques like X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound.
Interventional radiologists earn $167.00 per hour on average, with specialists in US cities like Washington DC, and Santa Clara charging over $200.
To be an eligible interventional radiologist your portfolio should include a degree in medicine, a four-year radiology residency, and a fellowship in interventional radiology. Additonally you should have a board certification from the American Board of Radiology.
Pediatric Radiologist
A pediatric radiologist is a specialist who diagnoses the medical conditions of infants, children, and teenagers using imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs that are tailored for minors.
Pediatric radiologists typically earn $192.00 per hour, with specialists in some of the highest-paying cities like Washington DC charging over $220 in hourly rates.
It takes a medical degree, a four-year radiology residency, and a fellowship in pediatric radiology to qualify as a pediatric radiologist. You must also have a subspecialty certification in pediatric radiology from the American Board of Radiology.