Radiologist Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $199.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Ruston, LA runs $199.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $415,996 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $221.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $249,592 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ruston, LA, the radiologist hourly pay for 2026 is projected at $199.99, which is slightly below the national median of $212.45. For radiologists who work part-time or in per-diem capacities, this hourly rate creates a compelling earning opportunity. For instance, a radiologist working three days a week would realize a substantial income by interpreting imaging studies in settings such as hospital reading rooms or outpatient imaging centers. The hourly rates in Ruston range from $116.00 for entry-level positions up to $267.26 for the highest earners, reflecting the fluctuating demand and expertise levels within the profession. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, amplifying their relevance in daily practice and flexible work arrangements.
About the Ruston 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) | $116.00 | $928.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $144.00 | $1151.98 |
| Median (P50) | $199.99 | $1599.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $235.06 | $1880.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $267.26 | $2138.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $199.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $199.99/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $415,986 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $239,992. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $7,999.74 | $34,666 | $415,986 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $4,799.84 | $20,799 | $249,592 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,199.90 | $13,866 | $166,395 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Ruston) | $199.99 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $415,996 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $432,429.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $199.99/hr = $249,592/year (purchasing power: $276,403).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $415,986/year (purchasing power: $460,672).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$156.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$190.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$199.99/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Ruston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $156.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $164.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $172.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $141.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $190.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $199.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $209.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Ruston grew 21.6% from $156.70/hr (2021) to $190.47/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $209.99/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
For radiologists on a part-time schedule of 24 hours weekly, the annual income becomes significant, but it trails behind full-time counterparts. However, those choosing per diem or locum tenens roles often find lucrative compensation, especially in teleradiology. Some night-hawk shifts pay between $1,200 and $2,500 overnight, while weekend coverage can command $1,500 to $3,000 daily. Specialty work in interventional radiology might reach over $3,000 per day, particularly for subspecialists. In Ruston, radiologist hourly rates vary based on the employer type—radiology group practices, teleradiology firms, academic centers, and VA systems each offer distinct compensation structures. While higher hourly rates with no benefits may initially seem attractive, the allure of comprehensive health insurance with a lower hourly pay can sway some professionals. Negotiating appropriate rates in Ruston often hinges on showcasing expertise in RVU productivity models, highlighting the trade-offs that inform each radiologist's path through the evolving landscape of medical imaging careers.
More salary data for Ruston, 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 Ruston. 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 Ruston 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