Senior Radiologist Salary in Knoxville, TN: $662,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Knoxville, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $662,737/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Knoxville's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $721,936 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior radiologists in Knoxville, TN can expect to earn significant compensation, especially those at the upper echelons of the profession. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $447,638, but the top earners, positioned in the 90th percentile, could see compensation reach $662,737. This potential for high earnings suggests a robust market for experienced professionals who have honed their skills over the years. The difference between the median and the upper limit demonstrates a clear experience premium: those who master advanced techniques and specialize in high-demand areas of radiology often position themselves favorably for higher pay. Achieving this level of compensation typically involves strategic career moves—such as choosing in-demand subspecialties, establishing a strong network, or transitioning into leadership roles within radiology practices.
About the Knoxville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Knoxville
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Knoxville earn between $556,169 and $662,737 per year (2026 est.). This $403,107 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Knoxville median of $447,638 sits 1.3% above the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Knoxville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $447,638 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $556,169 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $662,737 | $624,131 |
In Knoxville, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 48.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Knoxville
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $447,638 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Knoxville employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Knoxville command premium compensation, often reaching the $556,169–$662,737 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Knoxville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Knoxville 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 Tennessee 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 Knoxville
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKnoxville ranks #3 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $662,737).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Knoxville ($662,737) is 1.15% above the Tennessee average P90 ($655,197).
2021 BLS Actual
$519,272
2025 BLS Actual
$631,178
2026 Current Est.
$662,737
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Knoxville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $519,272 | Actual |
| 2022 | $545,235 | Actual |
| 2023 | $572,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $449,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $631,178 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $662,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $695,874 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Knoxville saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $519,272 in 2021 to $631,178 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 $695,874 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Knoxville 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 Knoxville
Compensation varies notably based on the type of employer, which is crucial information for a senior radiologist aiming to maximize their earning potential in Knoxville. Radiologists working in private practices often have the opportunity to benefit from partnership equity stakes, significantly boosting their income potential compared to hospital-employed positions, which typically offer salaries ranging from $400,000 to $550,000. Additionally, specific subspecialties like interventional radiology or neuroradiology are known to command premium pay, reflecting their specialized skill sets. Advanced credentials such as board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and completion of fellowship training can provide further leverage in salary negotiations. Non-salary compensation factors like RVU productivity models, night call coverage stipends, and contributions to teleradiology can also influence overall earnings, ensuring that experienced radiologists in Knoxville have multiple avenues to enhance their financial rewards.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Knoxville in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Knoxville?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Knoxville?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Knoxville?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Knoxville?
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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 $631,178 for radiologists in the Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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