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Radiologist Salary

Radiologists are the Physicians (M.D.'s) that do the actual diagnoses of disorders and illnesses of the human body. This is a professional doctor who must obtain a medical degree and complete residency requirements. Radiologist salary is significantly higher than the other positions because of the M.D. designation. In addition, Radiologists are in extremely high demand due to the national shortage of these highly skilled professionals.

Radiologist Salary At A Glance

Radiology job Low Median High
Radiologist (M.D.) $309,976 $361,538 $434,022
 

Radiologist Salary Compared to Related Healthcare Positions

Position Low Median High
Radiologist (M.D.) $309,976 $361,538 $434,022
Radiologist Assistant (R.A.) $90,076 $102,972 $112,615
Ultrasound Technician $40,960 $67,670 $77,520
Radiologic Technologist $41,612 $52,336 $81,136
 

What are the differences between the positions and why is Radiologist salary significantly higher?

The job titles in the field of radiology can be very confusing because many of them sound similar. Also, many of the job titles have recently undergone changes in the official medical community. A common misunderstanding is the distinction between a Radiologist and a Radiologic Technologist (R.T.). The main distinction is that a Radiologist is an actual physician (M.D.) and can use radiology technology to diagnoses and treat patients, whereas a Radiologic Technologist is a certified medical imaging professional who specializes in the imaging procedures, but cannot go to the level of diagnoses like the Radiologist M.D. It is for this reason that Radiologist salaries are significantly higher.

However, due to the Radiologist shortage crisis in the United States, a new position that does not require a M.D. level education has been formed. This is relatively new and highly coveted Radiologist Assistant (R.A.) position, which comes with a salary over $100,000 per year and is the highest level position in radiology short of a Radiologist M.D. There is also confusion about why someone with "assistant" in their job title would be paid higher than a Radiologic Technologist. The R.A. position requires a masters degree and is considered a higher level position than a Radiologic Technologist. To learn more about the differences, visit our radiology careers page.

 

What are the highest paying positions in Radiology other than a Radiologist M.D.?

The highest paying position short of a Radiologist salary is that of the Radiologist Assistant with salaries over $100,000 per year. This position has been formed to help with the radiology shortage. Some hospitals were taking extreme measures such as video conferencing Radiologist M.D.'s from India to review images and help to make official diagnosis. With these doctors being stretched too thin, measures had to be taken to fill the gaps, which is why the R.A. position came into being. Radiologist Assistants can perform complex imaging modalities and write up a recommended diagnoses; however, the actual Radiologist must sign off and approve the diagnoses. The R.A. cannot make any official diagnosis.

A Radiologist Assistant must obtain a masters degree from an accredited radiology school. To learn more, jump to the Radiologist Assistant Overview page and find a school offering a radiology bachelor's or masters program.

To compare salaries for all radiology positions, go to our radiology salary overview page, or to compare radiology career paths, go to our radiology careers page and find the right fit for you.

Radiology Programs:

Concorde

Get your career started with Concorde Career College. Our training programs are short, affordable, and hands-on. We offer training programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, insurance coding, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, vocational/practical nursing, patient care, and more.

Sanford-Brown College

Get the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.

Programs offered:

Keiser University Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Kaplan College - KHE

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Lincoln Technical Institute

Lincoln Technical Institute provides career-focused, hands-on training programs with industry experienced instructors. Get the skills for a rewarding in-demand career.

For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo

Fortis Institute

Looking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

St. Joseph's College of Maine

Many adult learners are enrolled in courses worldwide and are active in distance learning courses at Saint Joseph's College and are in enrolled in programs such as business, education, health care administration, general studies, nursing, and theology.

Anthem College

Get the hands-on training you need to enter the exciting health care or criminal justice fields at Anthem College. Learn from our outstanding professional faculty in a hands-on, real-world environment. We offer financial aid for those who qualify, outstanding student services, placement assistance for graduates, and more.

California College San Diego

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Carrington College

Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.

Programs offered:

MedVance Institute

Advance your health care career with MedVance Institute. We offer programs in various areas of the health care field and students can graduate in as little as a year.

 

"For consumer information: http://www.medvanceedu.info/"

Argosy University

At Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.

American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Advance your career with American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our program can be completed in as little as 16 months. We offer program specializations in general or cardiac sonography, both of which include vascular ultrasound training.

Sanford-Brown Institute

Get everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.

Brown Mackie College

Work to meet your full potential with a career-focused education from The Brown Mackie College system of schools. Choose from a range of diploma, certificate, associate's and bachelor's degree programs in the fields of Accounting and Business, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Technology. Small classes, flexible schedules, and plenty of personal attention.