Jacksonville vs Lakeland: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Lakeland, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Lakeland, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $404,240 | $454,482▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $194.34 | $218.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,252 | $263,599▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,252 | $327,227▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $518,144 | $549,382▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $565,845 | $676,578▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Lakeland, FL offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Lakeland is $50,242 (12.43%). Lakeland's median is +2.85% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $481,593,Lakeland spans $412,979. Jacksonville 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, Lakeland ($450,875 effective) pays 10.96% more than Jacksonville ($406,337 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($454,482/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($676,578)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $450,875)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Jacksonville grew -7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in Lakeland over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$417,506 (2024) → $384,990 (2025)
Lakeland, FL
$390,816 (2024) → $432,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Lakeland, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Jacksonville or Lakeland?
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Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Lakeland as a radiologist?
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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