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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Rochester | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRochester 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 (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $501,617 | Actual |
| 2022 | $526,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $553,033 | Actual |
| 2024 | $523,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $609,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $640,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $672,215 | Projected |
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 (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 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.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Rochester in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Rochester?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Rochester?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Rochester?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Rochester?
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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 $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).
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