Radiologist Salary in Bakersfield, CA: $535,173 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Bakersfield, CA earns a median $535,173/year (≈ $257.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Bakersfield's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $473,186 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Bakersfield, California, offers a competitive radiologist salary in 2026, with a median annual income projected at $535,173. This figure represents a notable 21.11% increase over the national median salary of $441,903, emphasizing Bakersfield's position as a lucrative market for radiologists. The local salary range for this profession spans from $310,401 at the 10th percentile to $774,730 at the 90th percentile. These projections derive from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data and consider regional price disparities, indicating that the compensation structure is influenced by varying employment models in the area. Specifically, the divide between private partnerships and hospital employment shapes the earning potential in the local job market, as private practices tend to offer higher salaries and different incentives compared to traditional W-2 hospital positions.
About the Bakersfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $310,401 | $149.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $385,325 | $185.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $535,173 | $257.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $650,682 | $312.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $774,730 | $372.47 |
Median Salary Position
21.11% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bakersfield
In Bakersfield, CA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $464,329 (2026 est.). At $535,173, the local median is 21.11% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bakersfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bakersfield Radiologist Pay Compares
Bakersfield median: $535,173/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bakersfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $499,695 | +7.10% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +21.11% more |
Radiologists in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $535,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.11% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 7.10% above the California state average of $499,695.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bakersfield has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bakersfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $535,173 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $473,186 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$419,322
2025 BLS Actual
$509,689
2026 Current Est.
$535,173
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Bakersfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $419,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $440,289 | Actual |
| 2023 | $462,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $544,979 | Actual |
| 2025 | $509,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $535,173 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $561,932 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bakersfield metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $419,322 (2021) to $509,689 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $561,932 by 2027 — a total increase of $142,610 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $310,401 – $385,325 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $385,325 – $535,173 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $535,173 – $650,682 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $650,682 – $774,730 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Bakersfield
The local job market is robust with 101 radiologists currently employed in Bakersfield, CA, which enriches the competition between healthcare providers. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, signaling that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power is impacted by higher living costs. Among various employers, private radiology group practices often lead in compensation, especially those offering partnership equity, while hospital-employed radiologists generally report lower averages. Factors contributing to the disparity in radiologist pay in Bakersfield include RVU productivity, subspecialty training, and the nature of the employment structure. For instance, interventional radiology roles command a premium due to their productivity demands and weekend or night shift requirements. Radiologists seeking to maximize their pay in Bakersfield should consider engaging with private practices, developing specialized skills, and exploring opportunities for teleradiology work, which can add significant income potential alongside a stable salary.
More salary data for Bakersfield, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $509,689 for radiologistsin the Bakersfield metropolitan area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bakersfield 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