Healthcare Recruiting
Radiologist Compensation 2026: Diagnostic, Interventional, Teleradiology, Subspecialty, Pay Tables & Volume Math
Radiology in 2026 sits at the intersection of two powerful trends: AI-augmented reading workflows that have boosted productivity 25-40% over 2020 baselines, and ongoing private equity consolidation that has changed comp structures across both employed and partnership-track roles.
This guide covers what radiologists are actually earning across all major subspecialty paths in 2026, with detailed RVU/study benchmarks, the teleradiology compensation landscape, and the volume math that drives top-quartile earnings.
National compensation by subspecialty: 2026
| Subspecialty | Median (W-2) | 25th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic radiology (general) | $545,000 | $465,000 | $645,000 |
| Interventional radiology (IR) | $675,000 | $575,000 | $795,000 |
| Neuroradiology | $585,000 | $505,000 | $695,000 |
| Body imaging / abdominal | $555,000 | $475,000 | $655,000 |
| Musculoskeletal (MSK) | $565,000 | $485,000 | $665,000 |
| Breast imaging / mammography | $475,000 | $405,000 | $555,000 |
| Pediatric radiology | $445,000 | $385,000 | $525,000 |
| Teleradiology (4-day work week) | $425,000 | $365,000 | $505,000 |
| Teleradiology (full-time, high-volume) | $565,000 | $485,000 | $675,000 |
RVU and volume math
- Diagnostic general: 11,500-14,500 wRVU target, $48-$62/wRVU
- IR: 9,500-12,000 wRVU target (procedure-heavy), $58-$78/wRVU
- Neuroradiology: 12,500-15,500 wRVU, $52-$68/wRVU
- Breast imaging: 9,500-12,000 wRVU, $50-$64/wRVU
Volume per study (2026 benchmarks with AI augmentation):
- Chest X-ray: 30 sec read time, 0.22 wRVU
- CT chest: 6-9 min read, 1.5 wRVU
- CT abdomen/pelvis: 9-12 min read, 1.8 wRVU
- MRI brain: 12-18 min read, 2.4 wRVU
- Mammography (screening): 90 sec read, 0.7 wRVU
A productive diagnostic radiologist reads 70-95 studies per shift (~10K-14K studies/year). At ~1.3 average RVU/study, that's 13K-18K wRVU/year, comfortably above MGMA target with room for productivity bonus.
Teleradiology landscape
Major teleradiology employers (2026):
| Company | Structure | Typical comp |
|---|---|---|
| vRad / MEDNAX | 1099, productivity | $425K-$685K (volume-dependent) |
| RadPartners (USRA, etc.) | W-2, mixed on-site + tele | $525K-$695K |
| RAYUS Radiology | W-2, hybrid | $485K-$625K |
| Imaging Healthcare Specialists | W-2 partnership track | $475K-$725K |
| Boutique tele groups (4-day model) | W-2 or 1099 | $395K-$485K (4 days) |
The 4-day teleradiology model (work from home, 4 days/week, no nights/weekends) trades comp ($395K-$485K) for lifestyle. The full-time / volume-driven 1099 model can produce $600K+ for high-volume readers willing to work 5-6 days.
Private equity consolidation
Radiology has been heavily consolidated. Major PE-backed groups:
- RadPartners (largest, 350+ practices, NEA Partners-backed)
- Envision Radiology (Welsh Carson-backed)
- Premier Radiology Services (regional PE roll-up)
PE-backed practices typically W-2 employed at competitive base ($475K-$575K) but partnership equity is often capped or non-existent. Independent private radiology groups offer slower comp ramp but stronger long-term partnership economics.
Top-paying states: 2026
- Mississippi: $645K diagnostic, $785K IR, supply shortage
- South Dakota: $625K diagnostic
- Iowa: $615K diagnostic
- Alabama: $605K diagnostic, $745K IR
- Wisconsin: $595K diagnostic
Coastal states pay below median: California $475K diagnostic, New York $495K, Massachusetts $485K. Florida is at median ($545K).
Locum / per-diem rates
- Diagnostic on-site locum: $2,200-$2,800/day, $275-$350/hour
- IR locum: $2,800-$3,800/day
- Teleradiology per-study contract: $9-$22/study (volume-dependent)
- Mammography reading: $14-$28/screening study
What we see at Ava Health
The teleradiology shift continues, about 35% of new radiology placements we make are teleradiology or hybrid teleradiology + on-site. The 4-day W-2 teleradiology model is consistently the highest-rated lifestyle option in our exit interviews with placed candidates.
For radiologists considering subspecialty fellowships: the highest-comp ROI is interventional radiology (1-year fellowship after diagnostic, $130K+ comp delta over diagnostic). Neuroradiology (1-year fellowship) adds $40K comp delta but is less procedure-heavy. Pediatric radiology (1-year fellowship) is mission-driven, comp is below diagnostic median.
The hardest-to-fill radiology positions: night-only on-site coverage at community hospitals (most candidates prefer teleradiology nights from home) and breast imaging with stereotactic biopsy capability. Both pay above-median for comparable tracks.
Related: Radiologist Salary Guide 2026, Physician Side Hustles That Actually Pay, Physician Contract Negotiation Levers.
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