Senior Radiologist Salary in Little Rock, AR: $304,164 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Little Rock, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $304,164/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Little Rock's price premium (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $340,365 in average-cost America. The 283% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Little Rock, Arkansas, senior radiologists enjoy an attractive potential for earnings, with top earners (P90) positioned to make $304,164 in 2026. This figure highlights a stark contrast to the median annual salary of $79,380 for radiologists, revealing a significant experience premium that can be achieved through advanced skills and specializations. Reaching these higher pay brackets typically requires dedication to extensive training, including fellowships in subspecialties, board certifications from the American Board of Radiology (ABR), and a strong track record in practices that command premium compensation. In comparison to the national landscape, where the median annual salary for radiologists is projected at $441,903, senior professionals in Little Rock may find their opportunities favorable due to lower competition, but they must enhance their qualifications and contribute at a high level in their respective fields.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Rock
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Little Rock earn between $304,164 and $304,164 per year (2026 est.). This $234,192 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Little Rock median of $79,380 sits 82.04% below the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Little Rock | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,380 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $304,164 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $304,164 | $624,131 |
In Little Rock, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 283.17% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Little Rock
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $79,380 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Little Rock employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Little Rock command premium compensation, often reaching the $304,164–$304,164 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Little Rock metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Little Rock 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 Little Rock
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLittle Rock ranks #21 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $304,164).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Little Rock ($304,164) is 31.86% below the Arkansas average P90 ($446,356).
2021 BLS Actual
$238,320
2025 BLS Actual
$289,680
2026 Current Est.
$304,164
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Little Rock (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $238,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $250,236 | Actual |
| 2023 | $262,748 | Actual |
| 2024 | $381,353 | Actual |
| 2025 | $289,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $304,164 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $319,372 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Little Rock saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $238,320 in 2021 to $289,680 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 $319,372 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock 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 Little Rock
The salary structure for seasoned radiologists in Little Rock varies significantly based on specialization and practice type. Specialties such as interventional radiology and neuroradiology are most lucrative, often paying a premium due to their complexity and demand. Compensation also fluctuates among employers; those in private radiology group practices may seek partnership opportunities, often leading to an income between $500,000 and $700,000, whereas hospital-employed radiologists commonly see salaries ranging from $400,000 to $550,000. Additionally, advanced credentials, such as completing a diagnostic radiology residency and obtaining proper DEA registration, allow senior radiologists to leverage RVU productivity models and other income-generating avenues, including teleradiology. Future advancement into leadership roles, such as becoming a medical director in teleradiology or heading a specialty division, not only offers prestige but can also contribute substantially to overall compensation in AR.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Little Rock in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Little Rock?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Little Rock?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Little Rock?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Little Rock?
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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 $289,680 for radiologists in the Little Rock 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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