Radiologists

SOC code 29-1224 · O*NET-SOC 29-1224.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Radiologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$420,860

a year

Hourly

$202.34

per hour

10th$89,010Median$420,86090th$594,410

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$381,530

$183.43 per hour

Middle 50%

$216,800 – $506,010

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$89,010 – $594,410

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

26,770

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $89,010; $42.79/hr
25th percentile: $216,800; $104.23/hr
Median percentile: $420,860; $202.34/hr
75th percentile: $506,010; $243.27/hr
90th percentile: $594,410; $285.78/hr

What does a radiologist do?

Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as x rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasounds. May perform minimally invasive medical procedures and tests.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.
Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound.
Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.
Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.
Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.
Review or transmit images and information using picture archiving or communications systems.
Confer with medical professionals regarding image-based diagnoses.
Recognize or treat complications during and after procedures, including blood pressure problems, pain, oversedation, or bleeding.

How to become a radiologist

Most people in this role hold post-doctoral training — 58% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Doctoral Training58%
Doctoral Degree28%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
Post-Secondary Certificate3%

Common questions

How much does a radiologist earn?

The national median is $420,860 a year. The full range runs from $89,010 at the 10th percentile to $594,410 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a radiologist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.3/5
Active Listening4.3/5
Speaking4.3/5
Writing4.1/5
Critical Thinking4.1/5
Monitoring4.0/5
Active Learning3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry4.7/5
Biology4.5/5
English Language4.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Education and Training3.7/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Physics3.3/5
Public Safety and Security2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving.