Senior Radiologist Salary in Pasadena, CA: $735,621 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Pasadena, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $735,621/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Pasadena's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $650,416 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior radiologists in Pasadena, California, have the potential to earn substantial salaries that reflect their expertise and experience. The 2026 median annual salary for experienced radiologists is projected to be $503,640, but for the top earners in the field, the compensation can escalate dramatically, reaching up to $735,621 for those in the 90th percentile. This significant disparity between the median and top-tier pay highlights the lucrative nature of advanced career trajectories within radiology in this market. Achieving such elevated compensation typically requires not only years of experience but also strategic focus on sub-specializations, consistent performance, and a robust network within the medical community.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Pasadena earn between $621,354 and $735,621 per year (2026 est.). This $443,510 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pasadena median of $503,640 sits 13.97% above the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Pasadena | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $503,640 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $621,354 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $735,621 | $624,131 |
In Pasadena, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 46.06% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Pasadena
Advanced Certifications in California
CA radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $503,640 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pasadena employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Pasadena command premium compensation, often reaching the $621,354–$735,621 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pasadena metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPasadena ranks #36 of 156 California cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $735,621).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Pasadena ($735,621) is 2.43% above the California average P90 ($718,167).
2021 BLS Actual
$576,378
2025 BLS Actual
$700,591
2026 Current Est.
$735,621
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Pasadena (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $576,378 | Actual |
| 2022 | $605,197 | Actual |
| 2023 | $635,457 | Actual |
| 2024 | $676,505 | Actual |
| 2025 | $700,591 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $735,621 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $772,402 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Pasadena saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $576,378 in 2021 to $700,591 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 $772,402 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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 Pasadena
A key driver of senior radiologist pay in CA is specialization, particularly in fields such as interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and nuclear medicine, which command premium rates and are in high demand. Compensation varies significantly depending on employment type, with private practice partners often reaping rewards that exceed those of hospital-employed radiologists. Advanced credentials, including board certification and fellowship training, bolster an experienced radiologist's earning potential within this competitive job market. As professionals aspire to leadership roles, including department chair or division chief, responsibilities tend to increase, in turn, amplifying compensation. Other factors enhancing financial returns include productivity metrics, partnership equity stakes, and additional incomes from teleradiology or on-call duties, all contributing to the allure of a senior radiologist salary in Pasadena.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Pasadena in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Pasadena?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Pasadena?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Pasadena?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Pasadena?
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 $700,591 for radiologists in the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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