Lowell vs Watertown: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Lowell, MA and Watertown, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lowell, MA | Watertown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $480,792▲ | $473,248 |
| Hourly Rate | $231.15▲ | $227.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $278,859▲ | $274,484 |
| 25th Percentile | $346,170▲ | $340,739 |
| 75th Percentile | $590,323▲ | $551,783 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $697,463▲ | $630,832 |
| Total Employed | 29▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Lowell, MA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Lowell and Watertown is $7,544 (1.59%). Lowell's median is +8.80% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lowell spans $418,604,Watertown spans $356,348. Lowell 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, Lowell ($443,126 effective) pays 1.59% more than Watertown ($436,173 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lowell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($480,792/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($697,463)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $443,126)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Lowell grew 2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Lowell, MA
$446,082 (2024) → $457,897 (2025)
Watertown, MA
$439,082 (2024) → $450,712 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lowell, MA
Watertown, MA
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