Radiologist Salary in Watertown, MA: $473,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Watertown, MA earns a median $473,248/year (≈ $227.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $436,173 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiologists in Watertown, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $473,248 in 2026, which reflects a competitive edge over the nationwide median of $441,903. The salary range for these professionals in the area spans from approximately $274,484 to $630,832, influenced significantly by the differences between private practice partnerships and hospital W-2 structures. These figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions. Given the delicate balance between job structures, compensation can vary greatly with those in private practice often commanding higher earnings. This dynamic makes Watertown a unique job market for radiologists, where the right choice of employment can substantially impact financial outcomes.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $274,484 | $131.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $340,739 | $163.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $473,248 | $227.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $551,783 | $265.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $630,832 | $303.28 |
Median Salary Position
7.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, MA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $356,348 (2026 est.). At $473,248, the local median is 7.09% above the national median of $441,903.
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At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be above the median
How Watertown Radiologist Pay Compares
Watertown median: $473,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $479,481 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | +7.09% more |
Radiologists in Watertown, MA earn a median of $473,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.09% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $479,481.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $473,248 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $436,173 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$370,802
2025 BLS Actual
$450,712
2026 Current Est.
$473,248
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Watertown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $370,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $389,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $408,809 | Actual |
| 2024 | $439,082 | Actual |
| 2025 | $450,712 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $473,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $496,910 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $370,802 (2021) to $450,712 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $496,910 by 2027 — a total increase of $126,108 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $274,484 – $340,739 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $340,739 – $473,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $473,248 – $551,783 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $551,783 – $630,832 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Watertown
With only seven radiologists currently employed in Watertown, the local job market remains relatively tight, yet there are distinct opportunities for competitive pay. The cost of living in Watertown is slightly elevated, with a cost-of-living index of 108.5, which can affect purchasing power for radiologists. Among local employers, private radiology group practices tend to offer some of the highest salaries, particularly when factoring in partnership equity stakes and the option for additional income through teleradiology services. The disparities in pay often result from various factors, including RVU productivity, subspecialty focus—such as interventional radiology which can yield 30-50% higher pay—and the implications of being a partner versus a W-2 employee. To optimize earnings, radiologists should consider pursuing subspecialties, negotiating equitable partnerships, and exploring flexible work arrangements that can boost overall take-home pay in the Watertown market.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
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 $450,712 for radiologistsin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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