Senior Radiologist Salary in Laurel, MS: $506,980 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Laurel, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $506,980/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Laurel's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $591,575 in average-cost America. The 32% 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 Laurel, Mississippi, have noteworthy earning potential, with the upper echelon of pay reaching $506,980 for the top 10% of earners. Those in the 75th percentile can expect to earn about $448,687, underscoring a significant gap between the median annual salary of $384,066 and those at the peak of the salary spectrum. Achieving such high compensation usually requires a combination of extensive experience, specialized training, and often, strategic choice of employment type. Radiologists who cultivate a robust clinical network and pursue high-demand subspecialties can solidify their status within this competitive market.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Laurel earn between $448,687 and $506,980 per year (2026 est.). This $284,221 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Laurel median of $384,066 sits 13.09% below the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Laurel | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $384,066 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $448,687 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $506,980 | $624,131 |
In Laurel, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 32.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Laurel
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $384,066 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Laurel employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Laurel command premium compensation, often reaching the $448,687–$506,980 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Laurel metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Laurel 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 Mississippi 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 Laurel
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLaurel ranks #18 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $506,980).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Laurel ($506,980) is 9.15% below the Mississippi average P90 ($558,065).
2021 BLS Actual
$397,232
2025 BLS Actual
$482,838
2026 Current Est.
$506,980
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Laurel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $397,232 | Actual |
| 2022 | $417,094 | Actual |
| 2023 | $437,948 | Actual |
| 2024 | $301,716 | Actual |
| 2025 | $482,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $506,980 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $532,329 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Laurel saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $397,232 in 2021 to $482,838 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 $532,329 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
Candidates with advanced subspecialty training or fellowships in areas such as interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and nuclear medicine typically command higher salaries in Laurel due to the specific demands of their expertise. Furthermore, the choice between employment as part of a private practice versus being hospital-employed or part of a teleradiology firm can significantly impact compensation. Senior roles such as partnership in a radiology group, department chair, or medical director positions bring not just higher pay but also additional benefits like equity stakes and RVU-based compensation. To maximize earning potential, senior radiologists must also consider pursuing board certification from the ABR and engaging in ongoing education and leadership opportunities within the ACR. Non-salary compensation strategies, like weekend call pay and teleradiology services, can further enhance their overall financial package in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Laurel in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Laurel?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Laurel?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Laurel?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Laurel?
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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 $482,838 for radiologists in the Laurel 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 Laurel 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