Radiologist Salary in Pasadena, CA: $503,640 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Pasadena, CA earns a median $503,640/year (≈ $242.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $445,305 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologists in Pasadena, California, are projected to earn a median salary of $503,640, which reflects a competitive position compared to the national average of $441,903. The salary range for this profession varies significantly from $292,111 at the lower tenth percentile to $735,621 at the upper ninetieth percentile, indicating a diverse market that accommodates various subspecialties. Radiologists specializing in interventional radiology (IR) can command substantial premiums, sometimes reaching 30-50% more than general diagnostic radiologists. Data derived from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for local cost factors, highlights Pasadena's robust job landscape, making it a lucrative option for professionals considering practice in the area.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $292,111 | $140.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $362,621 | $174.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $503,640 | $242.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $621,354 | $298.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $735,621 | $353.66 |
Median Salary Position
13.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $443,510 (2026 est.). At $503,640, the local median is 13.97% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Radiologist Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $503,640/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $499,643 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +13.97% more |
Radiologists in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $503,640 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.97% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 0.80% above the California state average of $499,643.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $503,640 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $445,305 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$394,615
2025 BLS Actual
$479,657
2026 Current Est.
$503,640
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Pasadena (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $394,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $414,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $435,063 | Actual |
| 2024 | $512,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $479,657 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $503,640 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $528,822 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $394,615 (2021) to $479,657 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $528,822 by 2027 — a total increase of $134,207 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $292,111 – $362,621 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $362,621 – $503,640 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $503,640 – $621,354 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $621,354 – $735,621 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Pasadena
With 35 radiologists currently employed in Pasadena, the local job market shows strength, although the cost of living index of 113.1 emphasizes the importance of considering take-home purchasing power. Employers within private radiology group practices, especially those with partnership opportunities, tend to offer the highest pay structures, often exceeding $700,000 for those engaged in high RVU productivity roles or covering night shifts in teleradiology setups. Those in hospital employment, while traditionally earning between $400,000 to $550,000, may find additional benefits in job security and work-life balance. To optimize earning potential within this competitive sector, aspiring radiologists should focus on developing skills in lucrative subspecialties and exploring partnership arrangements, which can offer equity stakes and additional profit-sharing opportunities in Pasadena's evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Pasadena, 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 $479,657 for radiologistsin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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