Radiologist Hourly Pay in Lake Charles, LA: $205.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Lake Charles, LA runs $205.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $426,989 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Lake Charles's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $227.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $256,196 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Charles, Louisiana, the radiologist hourly pay is projected to be $205.29 in 2026, slightly trailing the national median of $212.45. This hourly rate caters to both full-time and part-time radiologists, allowing those working three days a week to earn a substantial income while balancing work and personal life. For part-time professionals involved in settings such as hospital reading rooms, outpatient imaging centers, and remote reading stations, the earnings can be quite attractive. The hourly pay range for radiologists in Lake Charles spans from $119.06 for entry-level positions to as high as $294.19 for seasoned experts, showcasing the profession's potential for financial growth in various work environments.
About the Lake Charles Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $119.06 | $952.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $147.81 | $1182.47 |
| Median (P50) | $205.29 | $1642.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $250.28 | $2002.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $294.19 | $2353.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Charles
Based on $205.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $205.29/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Charles, LA can expect to earn approximately $426,994 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $246,343. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lake Charles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Charles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $8,211.42 | $35,583 | $426,994 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $4,926.85 | $21,350 | $256,196 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,284.57 | $14,233 | $170,798 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Lake Charles) | $205.29 |
| 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 Lake Charles, LA earn a median of $426,989 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.37% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 1.30% below the Louisiana state average of $432,613.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $205.29/hr = $256,196/year (purchasing power: $283,717).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $426,994/year (purchasing power: $472,861).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$160.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$195.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$205.29/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Lake Charles (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $160.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $168.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $177.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $145.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $195.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $205.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $215.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Lake Charles grew 21.6% from $160.85/hr (2021) to $195.51/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $215.55/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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles
Those looking at part-time opportunities might find that a 24-hour weekly schedule translates to an annual take-home income considerably lower than that of full-time radiologists, yet still competitive. Per diem radiologist pay in Lake Charles presents an appealing option, especially for those willing to take weekend or overnight shifts, with fees ranging from $1,200 to $3,000 per day based on demand and specialty. Different employer types significantly influence hourly compensation: private radiology partnerships may offer a higher hourly rate compared to hospital W-2 positions, while teleradiology contracts can provide flexibility and potentially higher pay without benefits. While some radiologists may choose positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job stability, others prioritize higher pay and flexibility. Understanding these nuances can help local radiologists negotiate effectively and align their career trajectories with their financial goals.
More salary data for Lake Charles, LA:
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 Lake Charles. 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 Lake Charles 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