Radiologist Salary in Columbia, MD: $621,600 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Columbia, MD earns a median $621,600/year (≈ $298.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $568,710 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 28.7% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologists practicing in Columbia, MD, can expect a robust median annual salary of $621,600, significantly higher than the national median of $441,903. This local figure reflects a salary range that extends from $360,528 at the 10th percentile to $893,408 at the 90th percentile, indicating strong earning potential across varying subspecialties, including interventional radiology (IR), general diagnostic radiology, and breast imaging. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for local economic factors, making it evident that Columbia's radiology market is thriving and offers rewarding compensation, especially for those specializing in high-demand areas.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($395,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $360,528 | $173.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $447,552 | $215.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $621,600 | $298.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $758,267 | $364.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $893,408 | $429.52 |
Median Salary Position
40.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, MD, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $532,880 (2026 est.). At $621,600, the local median is 40.66% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Radiologist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $621,600/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $482,984 | +28.70% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +40.66% more |
Radiologists in Columbia, MD earn a median of $621,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.66% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 28.70% above the Maryland state average of $482,984.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $621,600 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $568,710 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$487,040
2025 BLS Actual
$592,000
2026 Current Est.
$621,600
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Columbia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $487,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $511,392 | Actual |
| 2023 | $536,961 | Actual |
| 2024 | $443,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $592,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $621,600 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $652,680 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $487,040 (2021) to $592,000 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $652,680 by 2027 — a total increase of $165,640 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $360,528 – $447,552 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $447,552 – $621,600 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $621,600 – $758,267 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $758,267 – $893,408 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Columbia
Considering the employment landscape, Columbia currently has 24 radiologists, signaling a competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index of 109.3, which is above the national average, the local remuneration must also take purchasing power into account. Employers such as private radiology practices, academic medical centers, and the VA system typically drive higher salaries, influenced by factors like RVU productivity, subspecialty focus, and the attraction of partnership opportunities. Radiologists in Columbia can optimize their pay through strategic choices such as pursuing IR subspecialization, taking on night or weekend shifts, and exploring teleradiology options, thereby leveraging a robust local market for higher compensation while also considering the impact of equity stakes in private practices and negotiation tactics in W-2 employment structures.
More salary data for Columbia, MD:
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 $592,000 for radiologistsin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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