Houston vs Arlington: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Houston, TX and Arlington, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Arlington, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,044 | $436,441▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.37 | $209.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,372 | $253,136▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,504 | $314,238▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $399,336 | $536,006▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $461,727 | $640,967▲ |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 83 |
Verdict
Arlington, TX offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Arlington 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 Houston spans $383,355,Arlington spans $387,831. Arlington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Houston grew 29.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Arlington over the same period.
Houston, TX
$101,930 (2021) → $131,470 (2025)
Arlington, TX
$419,746 (2024) → $415,658 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Arlington, 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