Radiologist Salary in Kentucky: $316,949 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kentucky's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median radiologist pay sits at $316,949/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1224. Because Kentucky sits at BEA RPP 89.3 (11% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $354,926 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Ashland ($599,178), Louisville ($409,742), Owensboro ($378,901).
For radiologists considering opportunities in Kentucky, the average median salary in 2026 is projected to be $316,950, which is significantly lower than the national median of $441,903, reflecting a difference of -28.3%. The salary range across the state is quite variable, with Ashland being the highest-paying city at $629,137 and Lexington the lowest at $118,430. This substantial gap of $510,707 can be attributed to factors such as local demand for radiology services, cost of living adjustments, and the presence of healthcare facilities in different regions. Kentucky has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that must be adhered to by radiologists, which might influence job availability and salary levels in various areas. The state is seeing a steady growth rate in the healthcare sector, with a projected annual compound growth rate of 5.00% for radiologists. This positive trend suggests a strong job market, bolstered by an increasing demand for medical imaging services as the population ages and expands. Overall, while salaries for radiologists in Kentucky may not match national averages, significant opportunities exist in certain cities, particularly for professionals willing to explore various locations or specialties within the state.
Kentucky Radiologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kentucky: $69,552 (lowest entry-level) to $881,580 (highest top earner)
Kentucky vs National Average
Kentucky radiologists earn 28.28% less than the national median ($-124,954/year difference).
Kentucky Radiologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Radiologist salaries in Kentucky range from $184,113 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $445,198 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $316,949. The Kentucky median is $124,954 below the US national median of $441,903. The average hourly rate is $152.38/hr. Approximately 366 radiologists are employed across 21 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$248,338
2025 BLS Actual
$301,857
2026 Current Est.
$316,949
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Kentucky (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $248,338 | Actual |
| 2022 | $260,755 | Actual |
| 2023 | $273,793 | Actual |
| 2024 | $320,735 | Actual |
| 2025 | $301,857 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $316,949 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $332,797 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentucky metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $248,338 (2021) to $301,857 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $332,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $84,459 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentucky 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Kentucky
Lowest Paying Cities in Kentucky
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Lexington | $118,430 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $293,990 |
| Murray | $369,088 |
| Jeffersontown | $374,620 |
| Paducah | $375,079 |
Best Value Cities for Radiologists in Kentucky
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kentucky cities offer the most purchasing power for radiologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | $629,137 | 89.3 | $704,521 |
| Louisville | $430,229 | 89.3 | $481,779 |
| Owensboro | $397,846 | 89.3 | $445,516 |
| Independence | $391,493 | 89.3 | $438,402 |
| Bowling Green | $391,126 | 89.3 | $437,991 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $184,113 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $316,949 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $445,198 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kentucky metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Kentucky
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashland | $629,137 |
| 2 | Louisville | $430,229 |
| 3 | Owensboro | $397,846 |
| 4 | Independence | $391,493 |
| 5 | Bowling Green | $391,126 |
| 6 | Florence | $391,034 |
| 7 | Covington | $389,380 |
| 8 | Nicholasville | $388,645 |
| 9 | Richmond | $388,554 |
| 10 | Frankfort | $386,563 |
| 11 | Henderson | $385,919 |
| 12 | Elizabethtown | $385,644 |
| 13 | Hopkinsville | $384,542 |
| 14 | Radcliff | $378,673 |
| 15 | Georgetown | $377,346 |
| 16 | Madisonville | $375,943 |
| 17 | Paducah | $375,079 |
| 18 | Jeffersontown | $374,620 |
| 19 | Murray | $369,088 |
| 20 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $293,990 |
| 21 | Lexington | $118,430 |
More Kentucky Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced radiologists.
Compare Cities in Kentucky
View all comparisons →Explore More Radiologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologists make in Kentucky in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for radiologists in Kentucky?
How does Kentucky radiologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level radiologist salary in Kentucky?
How many radiologists are employed in Kentucky?
Which Kentucky city offers the best value for radiologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 radiologist compensation across Kentucky. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 metro areas — larger metro areas with more radiologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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