Radiologist Salary in Columbia, SC: $467,603 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Columbia, SC earns a median $467,603/year (≈ $224.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $511,042 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologists in Columbia, South Carolina can expect a median annual salary of $467,603, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $441,903. The salary range for this occupation spans from $271,210 at the 10th percentile to $652,688 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability depending on individual circumstances and employment structures. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living differences, highlight the importance of compensation models. The prevalent divide between private partnerships and hospital-employed positions shapes radiologist pay in Columbia. Those in private practice often command higher wages due to productivity incentives, while hospital-employed radiologists typically earn lower salaries but may benefit from more stable work conditions.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($350,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $271,210 | $130.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $336,674 | $161.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $467,603 | $224.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $558,896 | $268.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $652,688 | $313.79 |
Median Salary Position
5.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, SC, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $381,478 (2026 est.). At $467,603, the local median is 5.82% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be above the median
How Columbia Radiologist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $467,603/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $455,753 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +5.82% more |
Radiologists in Columbia, SC earn a median of $467,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.82% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 2.60% above the South Carolina state average of $455,753.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A radiologist earning $467,603 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $511,042 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$366,379
2025 BLS Actual
$445,336
2026 Current Est.
$467,603
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 | $366,379 | Actual |
| 2022 | $384,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $403,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $328,615 | Actual |
| 2025 | $445,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $467,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $490,983 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $366,379 (2021) to $445,336 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $490,983 by 2027 — a total increase of $124,604 (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) | $271,210 – $336,674 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $336,674 – $467,603 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $467,603 – $558,896 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $558,896 – $652,688 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Columbia
The local job market for radiologists shows promise, with 29 radiologists currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 91.5, the financial landscape offers a relatively affordable lifestyle, boosting the effective purchasing power for professionals in the field. Among the various employers, private radiology practices typically offer the highest compensation, driven by factors such as RVU productivity and revenue-sharing models. The disparity in salaries is often influenced by subspecialty focus, particularly interventional radiology, which can command significant premiums, as well as the dynamics of partnership equity stakes and call coverage responsibilities. For those seeking to maximize their radiologist pay in Columbia, SC, pursuing positions in private partnerships, enhancing subspecialty skills, and considering additional income from teleradiology could prove advantageous.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $445,336 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