Senior Radiologist Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $634,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Chelmsford, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $634,613/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Chelmsford's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $584,897 in average-cost America. The 39% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Achieving high compensation as a senior radiologist in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, is very plausible, particularly for those at the higher end of the salary spectrum. In 2026, the median annual salary stands at $455,761, but the potential for top earners is considerable, with salaries reaching $634,613. This remarkable gap between median earnings and the upper echelon serves as a compelling reminder of the experience premium embedded in the radiology profession. Senior radiologists looking to claim these figures often pursue advanced subspecializations and network extensively within their professional circles. They may also focus on honing their clinical skills in high-demand areas, laying the groundwork to position themselves as valuable assets in an evolving healthcare landscape.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Chelmsford earn between $547,899 and $634,613 per year (2026 est.). This $370,271 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chelmsford median of $455,761 sits 3.14% above the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Chelmsford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $455,761 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $547,899 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $634,613 | $624,131 |
In Chelmsford, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 39.24% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Chelmsford
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $455,761 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chelmsford employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Chelmsford command premium compensation, often reaching the $547,899–$634,613 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chelmsford metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedChelmsford ranks #39 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $634,613).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Chelmsford ($634,613) is 4.72% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($666,084).
2021 BLS Actual
$497,236
2025 BLS Actual
$604,393
2026 Current Est.
$634,613
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Chelmsford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $497,236 | Actual |
| 2022 | $522,097 | Actual |
| 2023 | $548,202 | Actual |
| 2024 | $531,878 | Actual |
| 2025 | $604,393 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $634,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $666,343 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Chelmsford saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $497,236 in 2021 to $604,393 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 $666,343 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
When it comes to specialized fields, interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and breast imaging are particularly lucrative, commanding premium pay in Chelmsford's healthcare market. The dynamics of compensation also differ significantly based on employer type. Senior radiologists in private practices or teleradiology firms may enjoy enhanced earnings through partnership opportunities or scheduling flexibility, compared to their colleagues in hospital-employed positions. Furthermore, advanced credentials like board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and subspecialty fellowships can significantly elevate potential compensation. Leadership roles, whether as a department chair or division chief, can also provide a pathway to additional financial rewards. Non-salary compensation elements, such as RVU productivity models, partnership equity stakes, and side income from teleradiology, only add to the compelling financial picture for experienced radiologists in MA.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Chelmsford in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Chelmsford?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Chelmsford?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Chelmsford?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Chelmsford?
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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 $604,393 for radiologists in the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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