How Much Do Radiologists Make In California?
Are you a student planning on studying radiology as a major or a graduate radiologist seeking to secure employment in California?
Among many other factors like demographics and work environment, you will be interested to know exactly how much you are likely to earn as a radiologist in the state.
Now to the big question: How much do radiologists make in California? In California, the average radiologist’s salary is $200,890 per year.
However, the salary varies depending on the city you reside in, your education, certifications, additional skills, and your years of experience on the job.
In this article, you will learn the average annual salaries radiologists make in some cities in California, radiologists’ job descriptions, and the different areas of specialties in the field.
Radiologist Earnings By Seniority
On average,
- Mid-level radiologists earn $98.17 per hour and $204,190 per year
- Junior-level radiologists earn $56.78 per hour and $118,110 per year
- Start or entry-level radiologists earn $30.70 per hour and $63,860 per year
Radiologist Salary By City In California
- San Rafael, CA – $200,000
- San Jose, CA – $200,000
- Fresno, CA – $200,000
- Vallejo, CA – $200,000
- Oakland, CA – $200,000
- Sacramento, CA – $200,000
- Santa Cruz, CA – $131,144
- San Diego, CA – $50,700
- Los Angeles, CA – $50,000
- Stockton, CA – $37,500
What Is A Radiologist?
A radiologist is a medical doctor or physician that specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases with the use of medical imaging (radiology) procedures (exams/tests) such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound.
With the recent advancements in technology, there has been a discovery of more uses for medical imaging and techniques that are less invasive and more diagnostically accurate.
With the use of X-rays, CT scans or radiographs, nuclear medicine, magnetism (MRI), or ultrasound, you can obtain medical images, and radiologists are specifically trained in interpreting these images.
In many cases, they act as consultants to other physicians who are caring for patients, or as primary doctors.
Radiologists can specialize in any field of radiology whether diagnostic radiology, vascular and interventional radiology, or radiation oncology, and they can also become certified in a variety of subspecialties.
Radiologist Job Description
To qualify as a radiologist, you require a degree in medicine from an accredited school, a license to practice, and at least 2-4 years of radiology experience. Radiologists carry out several duties. The following describes the job description of a radiologist;
- The Radiologist consults with patients to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
- Examines and diagnoses disorders and diseases of the human body using x-ray and radioactive materials.
- Treats benign and malignant growths with exposure to x-rays and radioisotopes.
- May report to a medical director.
- Obtains and interprets images for specific parts of the body.
- Radiologists typically only interact with other physicians, and not with patients. For instance, when general practitioners need more clarity regarding their patient’s medical issues, they often order medical imaging to be taken (an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound) and once the results are in, they will consult directly with the radiologist.
Various Specialties And Subspecialties within Radiology
Diagnostic Radiologist
A diagnostic radiologist obtains and interprets images from X-rays, CT scans, radiographs, fluoroscopy, MRIs, ultrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and radionuclides to diagnose illness and injury. This professional is also able to connect medical images to other examinations/tests a patient is getting, recommend further treatments, and inform the patient’s primary physician with relevant information.
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Vascular And Interventional Radiologists
A vascular and interventional radiologist is specialized in diagnosing and treating benign and malignant conditions of the abdomen, pelvis, and thorax with imaging and image-guided minimally invasive procedures. These professionals use different radiologic imaging technologies including fluoroscopy, digital radiography, CT scan, sonography, and MRI.
Therapies and treatments may include angioplasty, stent placement, ablation, embolization, biliary and genitourinary drainages, abscess drainages, and thrombolysis.
Interventional radiologists diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques available. These techniques are less risky, less painful, and have less recovery time compared to open surgery.
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation oncologists are trained in the use of radiation therapy to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of cancer, and to treat malignant and some benign diseases. They also make use of CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound, and hyperthermia to help them in the planning of treatment as well as order tests, and images. They consult with other physicians and prescribe medication for patients. After treatment, radiation oncologists evaluate the patient’s response to treatment and oversee their future care.
Subspecialties Include:
Neuroradiologist
A neuroradiologist is a trained professional who diagnoses and treats disorders and abnormalities of the brain, spine, head, and neck (this also includes the sinuses, spinal cord, and central nervous system).
Neuroradiologists can help to diagnose strokes, tumors, genetic conditions, aneurysms, Alzheimer’s disease, aging, and degenerative diseases, cancer, seizure disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, and trauma by interpreting X-rays, angiography, myelography, MRIs, and CT scans.
They are also able to perform minimally invasive treatments for disorders such as brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and compression fractures of the spine.
Pediatric Radiologist
A pediatric radiologist is responsible for diagnosing, caring for, and managing congenital abnormalities, diseases specifically related to infants and children, and diseases that begin in childhood and can cause impairments in adulthood.
With the use of imaging and interventional procedures such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and nuclear medicine, they interpret the results of the tests and make an appropriate diagnosis. Pediatric radiologists also provide radiation treatment for children and young adults affected by cancer.
Compared to adults, children tend to be more radiosensitive and have a longer life expectancy than adults which increases the chances of developing cancer from exposure to ionizing radiation.
Nuclear Medicine Radiologists
These professionals administer trace amounts of radioactive substances ( also known as radionuclides) and use techniques such as scintigraphy to provide images and information for diagnosis and making treatment decisions.
Imaging procedures include Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scans.
Radioactive materials can either be injected into a patient’s vein, inhaled, or swallowed. Radiopharmaceuticals are used for the treatment of thyroid cancer, solid tumors, hyperthyroidism, hematologic malignancies, or painful bone metastases.
Thoracic Radiologist
Thoracic radiologists are specialists in all aspects of lung disorders and airway diseases, including interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer (primary and secondary thoracic malignancies), mediastinal masses, pleural disease, occupational disorders, emphysema. They also specialize in diseases affecting the large and small airways (such as asthma, bronchiectasis, and tracheomalacia).
Thoracic radiologists make use of state-of-the-art technology, such as high-resolution chest CT, CT angiography of the aorta and pulmonary arteries, and conventional chest radiography.
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Musculoskeletal Imaging Radiologist
A musculoskeletal imaging radiologist is responsible for interpreting medical images of bones, joints, and associated soft tissues, and diagnosing injuries and diseases.
They perform various kinds of diagnostic work which includes sports injury imaging, tumors, arthritis, infections, and bone diseases by using X-rays, fluoroscopy, CT scans, ultrasound, and MRI scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Money Do Radiologists Make In California?
The average Radiologist salary in California is $490,090 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $426,190 and $566,990.
How Much Does A Starting Radiologist Make In California?
How Much Does An Entry Level Radiologist Make In California? As of Oct 15, 2022, the average annual pay for an Entry Level Radiologist in California is $60,586 year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $29.13 an hour.
The Highest Paid Radiologist?
High Paying Radiologist Jobs;
* Neuroradiologist. Salary range: $365,500-$400,000 per year.
* Diagnostic Radiologist. Salary range: $342,000-$400,000 per year.
* Interventional Radiologist. Salary range: $156,000-$400,000 per year.
* Pediatric Radiologist. Salary range: $58,000-$351,500 per year.
* Registered Radiographer.
Do Radiologists Make Good Money?
A mid-career Radiologist with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹25.2 Lakhs per year, while an experienced Radiologist with 10-20 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹35.8 Lakhs per year
Do Radiologists Go To Med School?
After completing high school, on average it will take 13 years to become a Radiologist. This includes completing an undergraduate degree which usually takes four years, followed by four years of Medical school, then a one-year internship, followed by four years of residency training in Diagnostic Radiology.
Is Being A Radiologist Hard?
It’s difficult to become a radiologist. Medical students and residents frequently struggle to handle the pressure since it requires so much commitment and hard work. Because of this, it’s crucial to be certain that being a doctor is what you truly desire before committing.
Which Radiology Course Is Best?
The top Radiology Colleges for courses in radiology include AIIMS New Delhi, CMC Vellore, JNU New Delhi, Lady Hardinge Medical College New Delhi, etc. Candidates can work for the profile of Radiologist, X-ray Technician, Medical Lab Technician, MRI Technician, etc post completing the program.
Why Are Radiologists So Highly Paid?
Total Member Additionally, these professions earn a lot since they have strictly regulated the annual training intake of radiologists and dermatologists. They can guarantee that they can sustain their demand if they manage to keep their numbers somewhat under control.
Is Radiologist A Good Career?
A radiologist earns a high salary. It is a financially rewarding career. All the physicians and nurses can teach you new skills. Additionally, you can learn a lot from this.
Can Radiologists Perform Surgery?
Interventional radiology (IR) is a specialized field within radiology. In interventional radiology, doctors not only interpret your medical images but also perform minimally invasive surgical procedures through small incisions in the body.
Conclusion
Radiologists in California earn a pretty decent salary. However, becoming one requires that you go through rigorous processes of studying and being licensed.
A radiologist is a rewarding career and even though a radiologist doesn’t get a lot of patient recognition and gratitude for their work, they are satisfied with the knowledge that what they do makes a big difference in the lives of people every day.
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