Source: SalaryDr salary data for Radiology (N=75 verified submissions, updated March 19, 2026, data as of 2026-03-19). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a radiologist requires 10 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 5 years of residency, and 1-2 years (optional). The median attending salary is $590,000/year based on 75 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
5 years
Residency salary data not yet available. Typical resident salaries range from $63,000-$88,000/year.(2 submissions)
1-2 years (optional)
Optional fellowship. Fellows typically earn $70,000-$95,000/year.
0-5 years experience
Based on 21 verified submissions(21 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 42 verified submissions(42 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 12 verified submissions(12 submissions)
Radiologist salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career radiologists earn approximately $70,000 more per year than early career physicians — a 13% increase. Senior radiologists earn a median of $654,000/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $520,000 | Baseline | 21 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $590,000 | +$70,000 | 42 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $654,000 | +$134,000 | 12 |
It takes 10 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 5 years of residency, and 1-2 years (optional). Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Radiologists earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (10 years post-college). During residency and fellowship, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $590,000, radiologists can typically expect to reach a financial break-even point approximately 1 years after starting attending practice. Actual timelines vary based on loan terms, living expenses, and repayment strategy.
Yes. Radiology attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career radiologists (6-15 years) earn approximately 13% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
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