Radiologist Salary in California
Based on 690+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$270,560
$130.08/hr
vs National Average
$375,976
-28.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$97K – $500K
690 employed in California
# Radiologist Salary in California
Radiologists in California earn a median salary of $270,560 per year, though this represents approximately 28% below the national average. The state currently employs around 690 radiologists across various healthcare settings. Salary figures in this field typically range from $96,610 to $499,880 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career stage.
Several factors influence radiologist salary in California, including years of experience, subspecialty focus, and employment setting. Hospital-based positions, private practices, and academic institutions may offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within the state, patient volume, and facility size also play meaningful roles in determining earnings. Additionally, board certification, advanced training, and professional reputation can affect earning potential in this competitive medical field.
Salary Distribution — Radiologist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $96,610 |
| 25th percentile | $106,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $270,560 |
| 75th percentile | $496,790 |
| 90th percentile | $499,880 |
Top-Paying Industries for Radiologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Radiologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Radiologists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $426,180 | 25K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $405,210 | — |
| Educational Services | $315,360 | 1K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $219,250 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Radiologist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $163,440 |
| 2025 | $270,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $286,794 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $163,440 | $133,704 |
| 2025 | $270,560 | $375,976 |
| 2026 (projected) | $286,794 | $398,535 |
Radiologist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $106,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $270,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $496,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $499,880 |
Radiologist Salary in Other States
Related Radiologist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Radiologist ($270,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Radiologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +30.7% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +16.0% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +11.3% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +8.1% | $140.58/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | -6.9% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | -20.9% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | -24.7% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | -25.6% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | -31.4% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | -37.7% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | -38.7% | $79.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -38.8% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologists make in California?
- The median salary for radiologists in California is $270,560 per year, or approximately $130 per hour. However, salaries in the field vary significantly, ranging from $96,610 at the lower end to $499,880 for the highest earners.
Is radiologist salary in California higher than the national average?
- No, radiologist salaries in California are actually 28% lower than the national average. Despite California's high cost of living, the median salary of $270,560 falls below what radiologists earn nationally.
What is the salary range for radiologists working in California?
- Radiologists in California earn between $96,610 and $499,880 annually, representing a significant spread across the profession. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employment settings.
How many radiologists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 690 radiologists currently employed in California, representing the total workforce in this medical specialty across the state.