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Highlights

1. Radiologists are doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating illnesses through medical imaging techniques.
2. The three main branches of radiology are diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and radiation oncology.
3. Radiologists differ from radiologic technologists as they interpret images, while technologists handle equipment and assist patients.
4. Radiologists earn an average salary of $131,322 annually, varying by location and demand.

Are you curious about how much radiologists earn in the United States? Radiologists, the medical professionals who use imaging techniques to diagnose and treat patients, play a crucial role in healthcare. As of 2024, their average salaries reflect the high demand and the specialized skills required for this profession. 

In this article, we'll break down the average radiologist salary, factors influencing pay, and what you can expect if you're considering a career in this field.

What is a Radiologist?

Before knowing the average radiologist salary, let’s see what a radiologist can do:

A radiologist is a doctor who uses imaging tools to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. Some of the main types of imaging they use include:

1. CT scans (CAT scans)
2. Fluoroscopy
3. Fusion imaging (combining two types of imaging tests)
4. MRI and MRA scans
5. Mammography
6. Nuclear medicine imaging
7. PET scans
8. Ultrasound
9. X-rays

Types of Radiology

There are three main branches of radiology:

1. Diagnostic Radiology: This branch allows doctors to see inside your body. Diagnostic radiologists are trained to read these images to diagnose health issues, track treatment progress, and screen for diseases like breast cancer or heart disease.
2. Interventional Radiology: Interventional radiologists use imaging (like CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs) to guide procedures. They often treat conditions like tumors, blood vessel blockages, uterine fibroids, back pain, and issues with the liver and kidneys.
3. Radiation Oncology: Radiation oncologists use radiation to treat cancer. They plan the best doses to target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. This therapy can shrink or kill cancer cells, stopping them from growing and spreading.

Each area of radiology has its subspecialties, allowing doctors to focus on specific imaging techniques and treatments to help patients.

Are Radiologists Doctors?

Yes, radiologists are doctors. They complete medical school and hold either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

What’s the Difference Between a Radiologist and a Radiologic Technologist?

Radiologists interpret medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, to diagnose conditions. Radiologic technologists, or radiographers, are medical professionals who handle the imaging equipment and guide patients through the imaging process. They make sure you're comfortable and properly positioned for high-quality images, but they do not interpret the images or make diagnoses.

What Does a Radiologist Do?

Radiologists have several key responsibilities, including:

1. Review your medical history to ensure imaging is safe for you.
2. Interpreting imaging test results.
3. Comparing imaging findings with other tests and exams.
4. Working with your healthcare provider to select the best imaging tests and using results to guide your care.
5. Writing detailed reports of their findings and diagnoses.
6. Recommending additional tests or treatments if needed.
7. Treating certain conditions through radiation therapy (radiation oncology) or minimally invasive, image-guided procedures (interventional radiology).
8. Performing or overseeing imaging tests as needed.

How to Become a Radiologist In the US?

1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree – Begin with pre-medical studies at a college or university.

2. Graduate from Medical School – Attend an accredited medical school and earn a medical degree.

3. Pass the USMLE – Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination to practice medicine.

4. Complete a Residency – Undergo at least four years of specialized radiology training in a residency program.

5. Consider a Fellowship – Many radiologists complete one to two additional years of training in a specific radiology subspecialty, such as:

1. Radiation Oncology
2. Pediatric Radiology
3. Interventional Radiology
4. Breast Imaging
5. Cardiovascular Radiology
6. Nuclear Medicine

Becoming a radiologist requires extensive education and training, but it allows for specialization in various areas of medical imaging.

How Much Do Radiologists Make In the US?

Radiologists can make $131,322 per year on average. In contrast, it can be low to $103,683 and high to $166,328, depending on your scale, location, and practice.

How Much Does A Radiologist Get Paid In Different States?

According to Indeed, the average income of a radiologist in the highest-paying cities is: 

1. New York, NY – $230,945 per year 
2. Los Angeles, CA – $168,271 per year 
3. Apple Valley, CA – $143,546 per year
4. Philadelphia, PA – $133,425 per year 
5. Columbus, OH – $132,824 per year 
6. Chicago, IL – $128,047 per year 
7. Tampa, FL – $123,317 per year
8. Pittsburgh, PA – $122,982 per year
9. Atlanta, GA – $121,936 per year

Also, if you’re a radiologist looking for jobs near me or local employment opportunities, use Yulys job search to find your dream role!

How Does Location Affect a Radiologist Earnings?

Radiologist salaries vary significantly by location. For example, radiologists in New York earn an average annual salary of $409,782, while those in Arkansas earn $143,079 less for similar work.

Key Factors Behind the Disparity:

1. Cost of Living: Areas with higher living costs often offer higher salaries to offset expenses.
2. Supply and Demand: The demand for radiologists plays a critical role. A shortage of radiologists, as projected by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), influences wages. For instance, Wyoming faces a severe shortage, with only 38.8 radiologists per 100,000 Medicare enrollees, offering $357,458 annually to attract talent, making it the 7th highest-paying state.

What Kind of Education Earns the Highest Radiologist Salary?

To secure the highest salary, a radiologist must:

1. Complete a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
2. Finish a residency program in radiology, which typically takes over a decade of education and training.

Summary

Radiologists play an important role in diagnosing and treating health conditions through advanced imaging techniques. The profession requires extensive education and training, specializing in different radiology branches. While becoming a radiologist is demanding, the rewarding career offers a competitive radiologist salary.