Radiologist Hourly Pay in San Jose, CA: $259.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in San Jose, CA runs $259.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $540,014 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against San Jose's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $229.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $324,010 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiologists in San Jose, California, earn a median hourly pay of $259.62, which significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $212.45. For those considering part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week in settings like hospital reading rooms or outpatient imaging centers, this hourly pay translates into a lucrative income, particularly for professionals looking for flexibility. Entry-level radiologists can expect to earn around $150.58 per hour, while experienced practitioners and top earners may command upwards of $375.23 per hour. It’s noteworthy that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the strong demand for diagnostic imaging specialists in the region and the challenges of maintaining competitive pay in a high-cost area like San Jose.
About the San Jose 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) | $150.58 | $1204.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $186.93 | $1495.45 |
| Median (P50) | $259.62 | $2076.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $315.30 | $2522.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $375.23 | $3001.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Jose
Based on $259.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $259.62/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Jose, CA can expect to earn approximately $540,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $311,548. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Jose.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Jose
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $10,384.92 | $45,001 | $540,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $6,230.95 | $27,001 | $324,010 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $4,153.97 | $18,001 | $216,006 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (San Jose) | $259.62 |
| 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 San Jose, CA earn a median of $540,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.20% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 8.00% above the California state average of $500,013.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $259.62/hr = $324,010/year (purchasing power: $286,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $540,016/year (purchasing power: $477,468).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$203.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$247.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$259.62/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in San Jose (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $203.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $213.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $224.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $264.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $247.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $259.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $272.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in San Jose grew 21.6% from $203.42/hr (2021) to $247.26/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $272.60/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 San Jose 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 San Jose
When examining the earning potential for part-time and per-diem work in this market, radiologists working three days a week could see annual incomes that vary significantly from their full-time counterparts. Part-time radiologists, with a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, would realistically take home a substantial income but less than a full-timer earning an annual commitment. Per diem opportunities such as teleradiology night-hawk shifts may offer even higher short-term compensation, ranging from $1,200 to $2,500 per overnight, with weekend coverage falling between $1,500 and $3,000 per day. Those in subspecialty interventional radiology could earn over $3,000 per day at facilities dealing with staffing shortages. Employers in San Jose include a mix of private group practices, hospital departments, and teleradiology firms, each offering varying compensation packages, with some opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. For radiologists pursuing per diem work, understanding this dynamic can aid in negotiation efforts, making it essential to weigh hourly rates against the security found in a more permanent role.
More salary data for San Jose, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 San Jose. 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 San Jose 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