Radiologist Salary in Chicago, IL: $503,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Chicago, IL earns a median $503,906/year (≈ $242.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Chicago's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $486,419 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.4% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, the 2026 projected median radiologist salary is an impressive $503,906, showcasing a robust marketplace for this medical specialty. Salary ranges in the city vary significantly, from $248,640 at the 10th percentile to $503,916 at the 90th percentile. This information derives from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting how the city's mixed subspecialty focus—including interventional radiology, general diagnostics, and breast imaging—contributes to competitive pay scales. Given the high demand for qualified radiologists, particularly in the interventional sector which commands premium compensation, Chicago remains an attractive destination for professionals in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $248,640 | $119.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $503,906 | $242.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $503,906 | $242.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $503,906 | $242.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $503,916 | $242.27 |
Median Salary Position
14.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
In Chicago, IL, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $255,276 (2026 est.). At $503,906, the local median is 14.03% above the national median of $441,903.
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At 40 hours/week in Chicago: You'd be in the top 10% of earners
How Chicago Radiologist Pay Compares
Chicago median: $503,906/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $429,221 | +17.40% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +14.03% more |
Radiologists in Chicago, IL earn a median of $503,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.03% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 17.40% above the Illinois state average of $429,221.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicago has a cost of living 3.59% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 103.595 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $503,906 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $486,419 — a 3.47% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$394,823
2025 BLS Actual
$479,910
2026 Current Est.
$503,906
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Chicago (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $394,823 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $411,423 | Actual |
| 2025 | $479,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $503,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $529,101 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicago metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $394,823 (2021) to $479,910 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $529,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $134,278 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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) | $248,640 – $503,906 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $503,906 – $503,906 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $503,906 – $503,906 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $503,906 – $503,916 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Chicago
Considering the overall job market, local demand for radiologists continues to rise, fueled by a healthy growth rate of 5.00% annually. However, the cost of living index in Chicago stands at 103.595, slightly above the national average, which can impact the real purchasing power of a radiologist's salary. Employers in the private sector, particularly radiology group practices, tend to offer the highest compensation, often in the range of $500,000 to $700,000, especially for those who secure an equity stake. Hospital-employed positions usually provide between $400,000 and $550,000, with variations based on subspecialty expertise—particularly in interventional radiology—where compensation can exceed $700,000. To maximize radiologist pay in Chicago IL, professionals should focus on RVU productivity models and consider opportunities for teleradiology side income or partnership arrangements, which can significantly enhance overall earnings.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
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 $479,910 for radiologistsin the Chicago 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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