Radiologist Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $257.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Bakersfield, CA runs $257.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $535,173 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $227.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $321,100 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a median hourly pay of $257.29, radiologists in Bakersfield, CA, earn notably above the national hourly median of $212.45. This higher hourly rate reflects the competitive nature of the healthcare market in the region and provides lucrative opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week, typically involving 24 hours of work, the pay translates into substantial weekly earnings, making it a viable option for professionals seeking flexibility. Entry-level positions may start at around $149.24 per hour, while top earners can bring in up to $372.47 per hour. This range caters to a variety of work environments, from hospital reading rooms and outpatient imaging centers to remote home reading stations.
About the Bakersfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $149.24 | $1193.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $185.25 | $1482.01 |
| Median (P50) | $257.29 | $2058.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $312.83 | $2502.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $372.47 | $2979.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $257.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $257.29/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $535,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $308,750. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $10,291.68 | $44,597 | $535,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $6,175.01 | $26,758 | $321,100 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $4,116.67 | $17,839 | $214,067 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Bakersfield) | $257.29 |
| Anesthesiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Cardiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.15 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $40.79 |
Radiologists in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $535,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.11% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 7.10% above the California state average of $499,695.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $257.29/hr = $321,100/year (purchasing power: $283,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $535,167/year (purchasing power: $473,181).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$201.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$245.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$257.29/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Bakersfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $201.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $211.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $222.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $262.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $245.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $257.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $270.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Bakersfield grew 21.6% from $201.60/hr (2021) to $245.04/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $270.16/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.00% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Radiologist in Bakersfield
For radiologists taking on part-time roles in Bakersfield, the financial dynamics shift significantly. Working three days a week could yield an annual compensation close to $200,000, depending on shift distribution and hourly assignments. With the rise of per diem radiologist pay in Bakersfield, many practitioners are opting for flexible employment, often making impressive sums during teleradiology night-hawk shifts, which typically pay between $1,200 and $2,500 per shift. Weekend shifts may command anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 per day, while subspecialty interventional radiology locum positions can exceed $3,000 daily. Hourly earnings can also vary dramatically depending on the practice setting; private group practices may favor higher fixed salaries, while hospital-employed roles often offer benefits packages that mitigate lower hourly rates. Therefore, as radiologists weigh their options, negotiation strategies are essential. Those who prioritize benefits might accept lower hourly wages, while others may opt for a higher rate but face the challenge of securing personal insurance and retirement plans outside their employment structures. Understanding these variables is crucial for making informed career choices in Bakersfield’s evolving medical landscape.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologists in Bakersfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bakersfield is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologists (SOC 29-1224).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov