Radiologist Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $223.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Washington, DC runs $223.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $465,171 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $205.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $279,102 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For radiologists in Washington, DC, the projected hourly rate stands at $223.64 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $212.45. This higher rate reflects the city's cost of living and competitive demand for skilled professionals. Typically, radiologists working part-time, such as those on a three-day-a-week schedule, can benefit significantly from this hourly pay structure, making their work in hospital reading rooms, outpatient imaging centers, or home reading stations lucrative even with reduced hours. Radiologists earning at the entry level can expect around $63.21 per hour, while those at the top of the profession can achieve rates as high as $316.17, illustrating a wide pay range that caters to experience and subspecialty expertise. The data here is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and should be considered when evaluating career opportunities in the field.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63.21 | $505.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101.73 | $813.88 |
| Median (P50) | $223.64 | $1789.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $316.09 | $2528.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $316.17 | $2529.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $223.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $223.64/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $465,170 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $268,367. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $8,945.58 | $38,764 | $465,170 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,367.35 | $23,259 | $279,102 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,578.23 | $15,506 | $186,068 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Washington) | $223.64 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $465,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.27% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 10.00% below the District of Columbia state average of $516,857.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $223.64/hr = $279,102/year (purchasing power: $256,330).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $465,170/year (purchasing power: $427,216).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$175.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$212.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$223.64/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Washington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $175.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $183.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $240.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $212.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $223.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $234.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Washington grew 21.6% from $175.23/hr (2021) to $212.99/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $234.82/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 Washington 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 Washington
When exploring part-time and per diem options, the financial dynamic for radiologists in Washington can differ significantly compared to full-time work. For instance, a radiologist working a typical 24-hour week can earn approximately $155,000 annually, which is still quite respectable but significantly less than full-time equivalents. The reality of per diem radiologist pay in Washington can be even more appealing, particularly for teleradiology night-hawk shifts that can offer between $1,200 and $2,500 for a single overnight, while weekend shifts often pay between $1,500 and $3,000 per day. Additionally, subspecialty interventional radiology locum tenens can command $3,000 or more per day in locations experiencing staffing shortages. Radiologists in Washington often find that employer type impacts pay scale—private practices may offer partnership opportunities with higher earnings potential, while hospital-employed positions typically provide benefits that some might trade for a higher hourly pay rate. Negotiating these aspects is vital, especially for those considering temporary roles or contract positions.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologists in Washington in 2026?
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Related Pages
Career Resources
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 Washington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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