Arlington vs Houston: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $436,441▲ | $138,044 |
| Hourly Rate | $209.83▲ | $66.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $253,136▲ | $78,372 |
| 25th Percentile | $314,238▲ | $84,504 |
| 75th Percentile | $536,006▲ | $399,336 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $640,967▲ | $461,727 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Arlington, TX offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $298,397 (216.16%). Arlington's median is -1.24% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $387,831,Houston spans $383,355. Arlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington ($454,626 effective) pays 224.82% more than Houston ($139,963 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($436,441/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($640,967)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $454,626)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Arlington grew -1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$419,746 (2024) → $415,658 (2025)
Houston, TX
$101,930 (2021) → $131,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov