Radiologist Pay

Senior Radiologist Salary in Rochester, MN: $640,205 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Rochester, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $640,205/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Rochester's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $649,954 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$640,205
Top 10% Earn
$307.79/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$539,346
75th Percentile
$640,205
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologist Senior Salary in Rochester, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Rochester, MN radiologist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, senior radiologists in Rochester, MN, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $438,167, with top earners reaching as high as $640,205. This substantial compensation reflects the growing demand for highly skilled radiologists and illustrates the financial rewards associated with advanced experience and specialization. The difference between the median salary and the top tier, which stands at $640,205, showcases the experience premium in this market, making it clear that climbing to the upper echelons of radiology requires not only comprehensive clinical expertise but also strategic career moves. To achieve such top-tier pay, seasoned professionals must cultivate specialized skills and consider opportunities in high-demand areas within radiology, ensuring they position themselves favorably against national benchmarks, including a competitive average of $441,903.

About the Rochester Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($400,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologists in Rochester. The median salary is $438,167, compared to the national median of $441,903.$228.7K$339.6K$450.5K$561.3K$672.2K$254.1K10th Pctl$315.5K25th Pctl$438.2KMedian$539.3K75th Pctl$640.2K90th PctlUS Median$441.9K

Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Rochester earn between $539,346 and $640,205 per year (2026 est.). This $386,068 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rochester median of $438,167 sits 0.85% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologist pay in the Rochester metro area.

Top MD, DO Salary Comparison

LevelRochesterNational
Median (P50)$438,167$441,903
75th Percentile$539,346$531,311
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$640,205$624,131

In Rochester, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 46.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Rochester

1

Advanced Certifications in Minnesota

MN radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $438,167 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rochester employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Rochester command premium compensation, often reaching the $539,346–$640,205 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rochester metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured radiologists in Rochester with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Radiologists in Minnesota 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 Rochester

Clinical Radiologist

0-5 years
$254,137 – $438,167

Senior/Lead Radiologist

5-10 years
$438,167 – $539,346

Radiologist Department Manager

10+ years
$539,346+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Rochester ranks #4 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $640,205).

Top 10% radiologist compensation in Rochester ($640,205) is 10.21% below the Minnesota average P90 ($712,964).

2021 BLS Actual

$501,617

2025 BLS Actual

$609,719

2026 Current Est.

$640,205

2021–2027 Growth

+34.0%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Rochester (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologists in Rochester. Baseline $501,617 in 2025, projected to $672,215 by 2027.$467.5K$527.2K$586.9K$646.6K$706.3K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$501.6K$526.7K$553.0K$523.4K$609.7K$640.2K$672.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$501,617Actual
2022$526,698Actual
2023$553,033Actual
2024$523,360Actual
2025$609,719Actual
2026(current)$640,205Estimated
2027$672,215Projected

Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Rochester saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $501,617 in 2021 to $609,719 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 $672,215 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Rochester

In Rochester, certain subspecialties command notably higher salaries, particularly interventional radiology and neuroradiology. Experienced radiologists who engage in these fields can anticipate premium compensation, further enhanced through partnerships in private practices or mixed employment in academic institutions and VA systems. The variance in senior radiologist pay in MN can be attributed to different employment structures, such as hospital-employed positions typically yielding annual salaries ranging from $400,000 to $550,000, compared to private practices where earnings often exceed $500,000 and can reach upwards of $700,000 for specialists. Advanced professional credentials like the ABR board certification, along with fellowship training, not only elevate earning potential but also open doors to leadership roles within radiology departments, such as department chairs and medical directors. Additionally, the nature of compensation in these senior roles often extends beyond base salaries, incorporating elements like RVU productivity and partnership equity stakes that reward dedication and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced radiologists make in Rochester in 2026?

Top-earning radiologists in Rochester (90th percentile) make $640,205/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.00% annual growth). This is $202,038 more than the area median of $438,167 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior radiologists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher radiologist pay in Rochester?

Higher radiologist pay in Rochester is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost radiologist salary in Rochester?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for radiologists in Rochester include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $438,167, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Rochester?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Rochester is $640,205, well above $100K. Radiologists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Rochester?

In Rochester, the gap between entry level ($254,137) and top earners ($640,205) is $386,068, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

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MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Lisa Gonzalez, MD

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 $609,719 for radiologists in the Rochester 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 Rochester is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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