How long does it take to become a radiologist?

Becoming a radiologist takes approximately 13 years after high school: four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, one year of internship, and four years of radiology residency. Adding a fellowship extends the training by one to two additional years.

Will AI replace radiologists?

AI is unlikely to replace radiologists in the foreseeable future. While AI tools are being developed to assist with image interpretation, radiologists provide clinical context, perform procedures, and communicate complex findings to patients and other doctors. AI will serve as a tool that makes radiologists more efficient.

What radiology subspecialty pays the most?

Interventional radiology tends to pay the most, with salaries often exceeding $500,000 for experienced practitioners. Other high-paying subspecialties include neuroradiology and breast imaging, especially in private practice settings.

Do radiologists have good work-life balance?

Radiologists generally have better work-life balance than many other physician specialties. Many work regular daytime hours with limited on-call requirements. The rise of remote reading has further improved flexibility, allowing some radiologists to interpret imaging studies from home.

What is the difference between a radiologist and a radiology technician?

A radiologist is a physician (MD/DO) who interprets medical images and directs imaging procedures, requiring 13+ years of education. A radiology technician (radiologic technologist) operates the imaging equipment and typically requires a two-year associate's degree, earning around $65,000 per year.

Radiologist Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

HealthcareAbout as fast as average

Radiologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases using medical imaging technologies including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. They interpret imaging studies, perform image-guided procedures, and consult with other physicians. Radiologists are essential to modern medical diagnosis and treatment planning.

Median Salary

$350,000

Salary Range

$205,000 – $520,000

Hourly Equivalent

$168.27/hr

Growth Rate

Radiologist Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$252,000

$121.15/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$350,000

$168.27/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$437,500

$210.34/hr

Expert (13+ years)$507,500

$243.99/hr

Radiologist Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$427,000	$205.29/hr
#2	New York	$416,500	$200.24/hr
#3	Washington	$406,000	$195.19/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$402,500	$193.51/hr
#5	New Jersey	$395,500	$190.14/hr
#6	Connecticut	$388,500	$186.78/hr
#7	Maryland	$381,500	$183.41/hr
#8	Alaska	$378,000	$181.73/hr
#9	Hawaii	$374,500	$180.05/hr
#10	Oregon	$367,500	$176.68/hr

Radiologist Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$483,000	$232.21/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$462,000	$222.12/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$455,000	$218.75/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$437,500	$210.34/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$427,000	$205.29/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$420,000	$201.92/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$413,000	$198.56/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$392,000	$188.46/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$385,000	$185.10/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$378,000	$181.73/hr

How to Become a Radiologist

Becoming a radiologist requires extensive education and training. You must first earn a bachelor's degree (four years), then a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree (four years). Medical school coursework covers anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical rotations in various medical specialties.

After medical school, aspiring radiologists must complete a one-year internship in internal medicine or general surgery, followed by a four-year diagnostic radiology residency. During residency, you gain comprehensive training in all imaging modalities and subspecialties of radiology.

Many radiologists pursue additional fellowship training (one to two years) in a subspecialty such as interventional radiology, neuroradiology, musculoskeletal radiology, body imaging, or breast imaging. Subspecialization can lead to higher salaries and more focused career opportunities.

Board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) is essential for career advancement. The certification process includes passing the Core Exam during residency and the Certifying Exam within 15 months of completing residency. Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing medical education and periodic assessment.

Job Outlook for Radiologists

3% growth — About as fast as average

The job outlook for radiologists is stable, with about 3% growth projected over the next decade. The demand for diagnostic imaging continues to increase as the population ages and imaging technology becomes more advanced and integral to medical decision-making.

While artificial intelligence is beginning to assist with image interpretation, radiologists remain essential for complex diagnoses, interventional procedures, and clinical consultations. AI is expected to augment rather than replace radiologists, allowing them to work more efficiently and focus on higher-complexity cases.

Radiologists in private practice and academic medical centers continue to be well-compensated. Subspecialization in interventional radiology, which involves performing minimally invasive procedures, is particularly in demand and typically commands the highest salaries within the radiology field.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Key Certifications

ABR Board Certification
State Medical License
ACLS