Radiologist Hourly Pay in Santa Cruz, CA: $240.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Santa Cruz, CA runs $240.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $499,842 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Santa Cruz's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $212.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $299,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiologists in Santa Cruz, California, can expect a median hourly rate of $240.31, which exceeds the national median of $212.45, marking a notable trend for the region. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek typically encompassing 24 hours, this rate translates into lucrative compensation, highlighting the profession's appeal in various clinical environments such as hospital reading rooms, outpatient imaging centers, and remote home stations. Entry-level radiologists might earn approximately $139.38 per hour, while more seasoned professionals can command rates around $350.73 at the high end. These rates are derived from projected annual salaries and reflect the growing demand for radiology services.
About the Santa Cruz 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) | $139.38 | $1115.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $173.02 | $1384.15 |
| Median (P50) | $240.31 | $1922.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $282.37 | $2258.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $350.73 | $2805.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Cruz
Based on $240.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $240.31/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Cruz, CA can expect to earn approximately $499,852 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $288,376. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Cruz.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Cruz
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $9,612.54 | $41,654 | $499,852 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,767.52 | $24,993 | $299,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,845.02 | $16,662 | $199,941 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Santa Cruz) | $240.31 |
| 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 Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $499,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.11% higher than the national median of $441,903.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $240.31/hr = $299,911/year (purchasing power: $265,174).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $499,852/year (purchasing power: $441,956).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$188.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$228.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$240.31/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Santa Cruz (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $188.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $197.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $207.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $244.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $228.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $240.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $252.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Santa Cruz grew 21.6% from $188.29/hr (2021) to $228.87/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $252.33/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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz
For radiologists working part-time in Santa Cruz, annual take-home pay can vary significantly compared to full-time roles. A radiologist operating three days a week could expect to earn around $299,572 annually. Meanwhile, per diem opportunities can be particularly lucrative; teleradiology night-hawk shifts often range from $1,200 to $2,500 per overnight, with weekend coverage generally yielding between $1,500 and $3,000 per day. Subspecialty interventional radiology locum positions may even exceed $3,000 per day, especially in facilities needing urgent coverage. The hourly rates between different employment types display a divergence as well; private radiology groups might offer partnership opportunities at higher earnings, while hospital-employed settings may provide better job security and benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates in Santa Cruz, it's critical to weigh the value of health insurance against potentially higher earnings in positions offering fewer benefits. Understanding this balance can empower radiologists to make informed career decisions in a competitive field.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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