Radiologist Salary in Columbia, TN: $429,260 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Columbia, TN earns a median $429,260/year (≈ $206.38/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 91.8), that paycheck buys what $467,603 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologists in Columbia, Tennessee, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $429,260, reflecting a competitive position relative to national averages. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $248,971 and the highest 90% reaching $602,043. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for local economic conditions, illustrate the impact of the structural divide in compensation models. Private practices typically provide higher earnings through partnership routes compared to hospital-based W-2 employment. This dual approach in the market is influenced by various factors including productivity metrics, which can enhance earnings potential and establish a distinct salary landscape for radiologists in Columbia.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $248,971 | $119.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $309,068 | $148.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $429,260 | $206.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $519,978 | $249.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $602,043 | $289.44 |
Median Salary Position
2.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $353,072 (2026 est.). At $429,260, the local median is 2.86% below 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: $429,260/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $440,267 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | -2.86% less |
Radiologists in Columbia, TN earn a median of $429,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.86% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $440,267.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A radiologist earning $429,260 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $467,603 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$336,336
2025 BLS Actual
$408,819
2026 Current Est.
$429,260
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 | $336,336 | Actual |
| 2022 | $353,153 | Actual |
| 2023 | $370,811 | Actual |
| 2024 | $322,066 | Actual |
| 2025 | $408,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $429,260 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $450,723 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $336,336 (2021) to $408,819 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $450,723 by 2027 — a total increase of $114,387 (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) | $248,971 – $309,068 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $309,068 – $429,260 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $429,260 – $519,978 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $519,978 – $602,043 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Columbia
Within Columbia's job market, there are currently 10 radiologists employed, indicating a concentrated field amid a favorable cost of living index of 91.8. This lower index suggests that take-home pay in Columbia might stretch further than in many urban centers, making local salaries relatively attractive when factoring in living expenses. Among employers, private radiology group practices often pay the most due to higher patient volumes and the ability to offer enticing partnership stakes, which can significantly elevate earnings. Variability in compensation is further driven by factors such as RVU productivity, subspecialty expertise—particularly in interventional radiology—and the frequency of night and weekend coverage. Radiologists looking to maximize their earnings in Columbia should focus on enhancing their subspecialty skills, negotiating partnership terms, and seeking opportunities that may offer supplementary incomes, such as teleradiology roles.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
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 $408,819 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