Radiologist Pay

Cleveland vs Columbus: Radiologist Salary (2026)

Compare radiologist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cleveland, OH
$426,890
$205.23/hr
Columbus, OH
$282,902
$136.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHColumbus, OH
Median Salary$426,890$282,902
Hourly Rate$205.23$136.01
Entry Level (P10)$247,596$104,297
25th Percentile$307,361$138,915
75th Percentile$516,508$282,902
Top Earner (P90)$611,953$438,963
Total Employed57N/A
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($426,890) and Columbus ($282,902) radiologist salaries.ClevelandColumbusMedian Salary$426,890$282,902Entry Level (P10)$247,596$104,297Top Earner (P90)$611,953$438,963US Median $441,903

Verdict

Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.

The salary gap between Cleveland and Columbus is $143,988 (50.90%). Cleveland's median is -3.40% compared to the US national median of $441,903.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $364,357,Columbus spans $334,666. Cleveland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cleveland
P10 (Entry)$247,596
P25$307,361
Median$426,890
P75$516,508
P90 (Top)$611,953
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$104,297
P25$138,915
Median$282,902
P75$282,902
P90 (Top)$438,963

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($470,662 effective) pays 58.83% more than Columbus ($296,329 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $426,890
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $470,662
Columbus
Nominal: $282,902
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $296,329

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland if…

  • Higher median salary ($426,890/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($611,953)
  • Larger job market (57 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $470,662)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Cleveland grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -25.2% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+12.2%

$362,260 (2024) → $406,562 (2025)

Columbus, OH

+-25.2%

$360,267 (2024) → $269,430 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologists more: Cleveland or Columbus?

Cleveland has a higher median radiologist salary at $426,890/year, compared to Columbus at $282,902/year — a difference of $143,988 (50.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Columbus?

Cleveland radiologists earn $205.23/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $136.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to Columbus as a radiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $470,662, Columbus = $296,329), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologists earn in Cleveland vs Columbus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologists earn $247,596 in Cleveland and $104,297 in Columbus. The Cleveland area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Lisa Gonzalez, MD

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