Senior Radiologist Salary in Benton, AR: $509,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Benton, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $509,238/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Benton's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $586,005 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologists in Benton, Arkansas, are positioned to benefit from a lucrative salary landscape as they advance their careers. The projected median annual salary for 2026 sits at $376,203, but those who achieve top-tier status can earn impressive figures, with the P90 compensation reaching as high as $509,238. This considerable gap between the median and the highest pay reflects the experience premium associated with senior radiologists—typically those with over seven years in the field—who have specialized skills or leadership roles. Aspiring for the pinnacle of earnings involves navigating subspecialties like interventional radiology or establishing partnerships within private practices, allowing these professionals to capitalize on the strong demand for radiology services in the region.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($325,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Benton earn between $443,366 and $509,238 per year (2026 est.). This $291,040 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Benton median of $376,203 sits 14.87% below the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Benton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $376,203 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $443,366 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $509,238 | $624,131 |
In Benton, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 35.36% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Benton
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $376,203 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Benton employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Benton command premium compensation, often reaching the $443,366–$509,238 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Benton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Benton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Radiologists in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Benton
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBenton ranks #16 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $509,238).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Benton ($509,238) is 14.09% above the Arkansas average P90 ($446,356).
2021 BLS Actual
$399,002
2025 BLS Actual
$484,989
2026 Current Est.
$509,238
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Benton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $399,002 | Actual |
| 2022 | $418,952 | Actual |
| 2023 | $439,899 | Actual |
| 2024 | $337,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $484,989 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $509,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $534,700 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Benton saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $399,002 in 2021 to $484,989 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.00% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $534,700 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Maximizing Your Radiologist Earnings in Benton
Further analysis reveals that the driving factors behind the senior radiologist pay in AR encompass not only specialized training but also where one is employed. In Benton, key subspecialties such as neuroradiology, musculoskeletal imaging, and pediatric radiology command higher compensation levels. Private radiology group practices tend to offer attractive partnership opportunities that can elevate income significantly; contrastingly, hospital-employed positions may provide a more stable, albeit slightly lower, salary range. Furthermore, advanced credentials—specifically an MD or DO degree and ABR board certification—are essential for maximizing pay and securing leadership roles like department chair or division chief. Non-salary benefits, including RVU productivity incentives and calls for weekend or night coverage, also play a role in total earnings, making the compensation dynamics for a senior radiologist in Benton multifaceted and heavily influenced by both specialty and employer type.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Benton in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Benton?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Benton?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Benton?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Benton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $484,989 for radiologists in the Benton metro area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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