Senior Radiologist Salary in Compton, CA: $680,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Compton, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $680,092/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Compton's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $601,319 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the potential for an experienced radiologist's salary in Compton, CA, stands at a remarkable $680,092 for the top earners, with the P75 bracket at $587,062. This tier of compensation not only marks a significant leap from the median annual salary of $495,012 but also highlights the pronounced experience premium available in this area. Senior radiologists can expect to navigate this lucrative pathway through a combination of specialization, reputation, and strategic career moves, solidifying their standing among the highest earners in the profession. Meanwhile, the top 10% of earners in Compton surpass the national equivalent of $441,903, demonstrating a thriving market for those with advanced credentials and expertise.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Compton earn between $587,062 and $680,092 per year (2026 est.). This $392,985 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Compton median of $495,012 sits 12.02% above the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Compton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $495,012 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $587,062 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $680,092 | $624,131 |
In Compton, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 37.39% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Compton
Advanced Certifications in California
CA radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $495,012 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Compton employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Compton command premium compensation, often reaching the $587,062–$680,092 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Compton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Compton 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 California 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 Compton
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCompton ranks #144 of 156 California cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $680,092).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Compton ($680,092) is 5.3% below the California average P90 ($718,167).
2021 BLS Actual
$532,870
2025 BLS Actual
$647,707
2026 Current Est.
$680,092
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Compton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $532,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $559,514 | Actual |
| 2023 | $587,489 | Actual |
| 2024 | $622,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $647,707 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $680,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $714,097 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Compton saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $532,870 in 2021 to $647,707 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 $714,097 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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 Compton
Several factors influence the senior radiologist pay in CA, particularly in Compton, where specializations such as interventional radiology and neuroradiology command substantial premiums. Employment settings also play a critical role in shaping compensation; private radiology group practices, which often offer partnership opportunities, can yield earnings upward of $500,000, while hospital-employed positions might average between $400,000 and $550,000. Furthermore, advanced credentials such as ABR board certification and fellowship training can enhance a radiologist's marketability and earning potential. Leadership roles, which may include positions such as department chair or division chief, present additional pathways for financial growth. Moreover, senior radiologists can benefit from performance-based compensation models, such as RVU productivity, which incentivize high-level output and can further elevate overall earnings through equity stakes in private practices or additional income from telemedicine engagements.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Compton in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Compton?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Compton?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Compton?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Compton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $647,707 for radiologists in the Compton 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 Compton 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