💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)
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Entry-Level (10th percentile): ~$353,000 - $403,000/year
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Median: ~$458,600/year (range $403k - $526k)
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Maximum (90th percentile / top earners): ~$526,000 - $588,000+, with locum tenens or interventional roles reaching $650,000+
Pay varies by location and subspecialty: California and D.C. average ~$500k+; San Francisco radiologists make ~$573k; Boston ~$511k; New York ~$531k.
🔍 What They Do
Radiologists are medical doctors who interpret medical imaging—X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine—to diagnose and treat diseases. They may also perform interventional procedures (e.g., guided biopsies, angioplasty) and collaborate with other physicians to design patient care plans.
🎓 Education & Training
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Bachelor’s degree (4 years) in sciences—biology, chemistry, physics
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Medical school (MD or DO; 4 years)
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Internship (1 year)
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Radiology residency (4–5 years)
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Optional fellowships (1–2 years) in subspecialties like interventional, neuroradiology, pediatric radiology
🕒 Total training: ~13–15 years after high school.
📜 Certification
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Board-certified via ABR (American Board of Radiology) after residency—includes written Core Exam and oral Certifying Exam
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Subspecialty certifications (e.g., IR, neuroradiology) available post-fellowship
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Maintenance of Certification (MOC): Regular CME and periodic exams per ABR/ABMS guidelines
🏛️ Licensing
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State medical license required in all 50 states—via USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) Steps 1–3
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Board certification isn’t legally required but is essential for hospital privileges, insurance contracts, and professional reputation .
📈 Career Outlook
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Growing demand due to advanced imaging, aging population, and diagnostic need
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Work-life balance varies; diagnostic radiologists may enjoy daytime schedules, while interventional specialists have on-call responsibilities
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Locum tenens work can offer flexibility and higher compensation (~$500k - $650k) .
✅ Final Takeaway
Radiology is a high-impact and high-reward medical specialty:
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Salary: $353k entry, $458k median, $526k+ top earners
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Training: ~13–15 years (college, med school, residency, optional fellowship)
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Certification: ABR board exams + subspecialty MOC
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Licensing: USMLE/COMLEX + state medical license
With the latest imaging advancements, radiologists play a pivotal role in diagnosis and intervention—and enjoy strong compensation and career stability.