Radiologist Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $233.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $233.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $485,275 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $206.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $291,171 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the average radiologist hourly pay in Laguna Niguel, CA, is projected to reach $233.31, surpassing the national median of $212.45. This higher rate reflects the robust demand for radiology services in the region, particularly in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and remote home reading stations. Radiologists in Laguna Niguel can expect an hourly income that spans from $135.31 at the entry level to an impressive $335.29 for top earners. For part-time workers, especially those operating three days a week, this translates into a substantial income that can be effectively balanced with their work life. Additionally, those working per diem can take advantage of flexible shifts that often pay significantly, complementing their average earnings in this field.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $135.31 | $1082.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $167.98 | $1343.83 |
| Median (P50) | $233.31 | $1866.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $285.00 | $2280.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $335.29 | $2682.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $233.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $233.31/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $485,285 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $279,972. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $9,332.40 | $40,440 | $485,285 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,599.44 | $24,264 | $291,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,732.96 | $16,176 | $194,114 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Laguna Niguel) | $233.31 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $485,275 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.81% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 2.90% below the California state average of $499,769.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $233.31/hr = $291,171/year (purchasing power: $257,446).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $485,285/year (purchasing power: $429,076).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$182.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$222.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$233.31/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Laguna Niguel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $182.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $191.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $201.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $237.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $222.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $233.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $244.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Laguna Niguel grew 21.6% from $182.80/hr (2021) to $222.20/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $244.98/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
Exploring part-time opportunities, a radiologist working 24 hours each week can expect to earn approximately $179,000 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart whose earnings could more than double. For those interested in the per diem route, it’s not uncommon for night shifts in teleradiology to offer pay ranging from $1,200 to $2,500, while weekend shifts can command even greater rates of $1,500 to $3,000 per day. Subspecialty roles, particularly in interventional radiology, can yield daily earnings exceeding $3,000 in urgent need centers. Compensation may also differ by employer type; for instance, private practices often cater to partnership-based pay structures, while hospital-employed positions offer stability through W-2 employment but might come at a slight reduction in hourly rates. Radiologists must weigh the benefits of health insurance against potentially higher hourly pay without benefits when negotiating their contracts. Understanding these dynamics can enhance their negotiating position, especially in a market like Laguna Niguel.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologists in Laguna Niguel in 2026?
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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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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