CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Radiologists are doctors who use imaging studies and procedures to diagnose injuries and diseases in patients.
Career Level
Salary
National average, per year
$211,390
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
1,058
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Radiologist
A radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing injuries and diseases through the use of imaging studies and procedures. They collaborate with other physicians regarding treatment courses and further imaging exams.
Radiologists typically do not have a lot of direct patient contact. They spend the majority of their time in office-type settings reading and interpreting images.
Radiologist Job Responsibilities
Radiologists may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Interpret diagnostic images
- Study patient history and symptoms
- Verbally dictate imaging evaluations
- Collaborate with other physicians
- Recommend courses of treatment
- Suggest further diagnostic tests
Radiologist Salary
The actual salary of the radiologist can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $211,390*
National average per hour: $102.00*
- $299,047 per year, $144.00 per hour**
- $289,654 per year, $139.00 per hour***
- $351,024 to $467,083 per year****
- $291,500 per year, $140.00 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Radiologist Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a radiologist? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Job stability
- Excellent salary
- Rewarding to make a difference in someone’s life
- Flexible working hours
- Flexible working environment
Cons
- Long educational path (12 years or more)
- High educational debt
- Minimal patient contact
- May lose basic medical skills
- Risk for eye strain and headaches
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Radiologist?
If you are considering a career as radiologist, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Earn your high school diploma.
- Complete 4 years of undergraduate study to earn your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete 4 years of medical school to earn your medical degree.
- Complete 4 years of radiology residency training.
- Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to become licensed to practice.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the radiologist is an advanced level medical profession that can be preceded by other medical jobs. A sample career path could
look like this:
Radiology Technician > Radiation Therapist > Radiologist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma
- 4 years of undergraduate study (Bachelor’s degree)
- 4 years of medical school (Medical degree)
- 4 years of radiology residency training
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience obtained during residency.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Practical and clinical skills
- Outstanding perception and visualization abilities
Radiologist Certifications
Although not required, it is highly recommended that radiologists become board certified through the American Board of Radiology (ABR).
Radiologist Licenses
- United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
- State Licensure
Radiologist Training and Preparation
After completion of a radiology residency program, the radiologist must then pass the USMLE exam to obtain licensure. Radiologists also need to obtain a license from the state in which they practice, as each state may have different requirements.
Some radiologists choose to specialize in a sub-field of radiology. There is optional fellowship training available in fields such as mammography, interventional radiology and neuroradiology among others. Most fellowship programs last 1 or 2 years.
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