Senior Radiologist Salary in Cambridge, MA: $595,979 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Cambridge, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $595,979/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Cambridge's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $549,289 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Senior radiologists in Cambridge, Massachusetts, are positioned to earn substantial salaries that reflect their depth of experience and expertise. With a projected median annual salary of $419,953 for 2026, the compensation landscape reveals significant earning potential for top-tier professionals, especially with earnings at the 90th percentile reaching $595,979. This represents a pronounced experience premium, as the income gap between the median and the top earners illustrates the rewards of specialization and advanced credentials in this competitive field. Staying at the forefront of medical advancements and obtaining relevant certifications can create pathways for radiologists aiming to maximize their income in such a vibrant market as Cambridge, a hub of innovation and healthcare excellence.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Cambridge earn between $506,462 and $595,979 per year (2026 est.). This $352,406 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cambridge median of $419,953 sits 4.97% below the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Cambridge | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $419,953 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $506,462 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $595,979 | $624,131 |
In Cambridge, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 41.92% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Cambridge
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $419,953 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cambridge employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Cambridge command premium compensation, often reaching the $506,462–$595,979 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cambridge metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Cambridge 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 Massachusetts 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 Cambridge
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCambridge ranks #57 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $595,979).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Cambridge ($595,979) is 10.52% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($666,084).
2021 BLS Actual
$466,965
2025 BLS Actual
$567,599
2026 Current Est.
$595,979
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Cambridge (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $466,965 | Actual |
| 2022 | $490,313 | Actual |
| 2023 | $514,829 | Actual |
| 2024 | $560,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $567,599 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $595,979 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $625,778 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Cambridge saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $466,965 in 2021 to $567,599 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 $625,778 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Compensation for senior radiologists varies significantly based on subspecialty and employer type in Cambridge, MA. Specializations like interventional radiology and neuroradiology often command higher salaries, while roles in private practices, hospital departments, or academic institutions can differ in financial structure. For example, partnership positions in private practices may yield earnings approaching the higher end of the scale, while hospital-employed radiologists typically see salaries clustered between $400,000 and $550,000. Achieving leadership positions, such as department chair or division chief, can further elevate earning potential. Furthermore, advanced credentials such as board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and additional fellowship training are valuable assets. Non-salary compensation, like RVU productivity initiatives, partnership equity, and options for additional side income through teleradiology, are influential factors in shaping overall compensation packages for experienced radiologists in this progressive environment.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Cambridge in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Cambridge?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Cambridge?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Cambridge?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Cambridge?
Related Pages
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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 $567,599 for radiologists in the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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