Senior Radiologist Salary in Rock Island, IL: $556,996 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Rock Island, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $556,996/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Rock Island's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $573,631 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, experienced radiologists in Rock Island, IL, can anticipate a median annual salary of $417,031, but top earners in the field have the potential to make significantly more, reaching as high as $556,996. This upper tier of compensation highlights a remarkable gap of $139,965 from the median salary. Notably, the P75 threshold stands at $488,169, underscoring the lucrative opportunities available for senior professionals who possess the necessary expertise and experience. Achieving such high levels of compensation often requires not just extensive years of practice but also strategic career moves, advanced specializations, and potentially leadership roles within a radiology practice. As the healthcare market evolves, the ability to adapt and target high-demand areas can dramatically influence an experienced radiologist’s earning potential.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Rock Island earn between $488,169 and $556,996 per year (2026 est.). This $315,118 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rock Island median of $417,031 sits 5.63% below the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Rock Island | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $417,031 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $488,169 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $556,996 | $624,131 |
In Rock Island, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 33.56% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Rock Island
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $417,031 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rock Island employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Rock Island command premium compensation, often reaching the $488,169–$556,996 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rock Island metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Rock Island 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 Illinois 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 Rock Island
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRock Island ranks #59 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $556,996).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Rock Island ($556,996) is 7.31% below the Illinois average P90 ($600,909).
2021 BLS Actual
$436,421
2025 BLS Actual
$530,472
2026 Current Est.
$556,996
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Rock Island (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $436,421 | Actual |
| 2022 | $458,242 | Actual |
| 2023 | $481,154 | Actual |
| 2024 | $442,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $530,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $556,996 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $584,845 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Rock Island saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $436,421 in 2021 to $530,472 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 $584,845 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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 Rock Island
Compensation for senior radiologists in Rock Island varies significantly across different settings, reflecting the diverse avenues available for career advancement. Specializations like interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and pediatric radiology, among others, command premium pay, especially as experienced professionals navigate employer types, whether it be private practices, hospital systems, or teleradiology firms. Those who ascend to leadership positions—such as department chairs or division chiefs—often enjoy not only higher salaries but also additional perks like partnership equity and RVU-based incentives. Credentials play a role as well; advanced certifications from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or subspecialty fellowships can enhance a radiologist's marketability and salary potential in the Illinois landscape. Moreover, the distinction between W-2 employment and partnership-based practices results in different compensation structures, where the latter may offer considerable advantages, including higher base pay aligned with productivity metrics and side income opportunities.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Rock Island in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Rock Island?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Rock Island?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Rock Island?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Rock Island?
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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 $530,472 for radiologists in the Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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