Radiology Locum Compensation Benchmarks
Survey data by region and facility setting. Source: BLS OEWS, AMN Healthcare, CHG Healthcare. For informational purposes only.
How does your offer compare?
Enter your rate to see where it falls against these benchmarks.
Compare to Market Data →Regional Benchmark Data
P25 / Median / P75 hourly rates in $/hr
| Region | Setting | P25 | Median | P75 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Urban Hospital | $250 | $290 | $335 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $260 | $308 | $358 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $235 | $272 | $315 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $248 | $290 | $338 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $228 | $265 | $305 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $240 | $280 | $325 | BLS OEWS 2024 + Weatherby Healthcare 2025 | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $255 | $298 | $345 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $268 | $315 | $368 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey |
Market Overview
Radiology has a unique rate structure due to teleradiology — many locum radiologists provide remote overnight and weekend reads while maintaining a primary practice. On-site locum coverage commands a substantial premium over teleradiology-only rates. Subspecialty reading capability (neuroradiology, IR, pediatric radiology) significantly increases rate.
Key Leverage Points
Urban Hospital
- Subspecialty reads (neuroradiology, MSK, IR) command 15–25% above general diagnostic rates
- Overnight teleradiology coverage is chronically underserved — strong negotiating position
- On-site presence (vs. teleradiology) typically commands a 20–30% premium
- Mammography accreditation/certification expands the pool of available assignments significantly
Rural Critical Access
- Solo coverage capability (all modalities) is required at most critical access sites
- Fluoroscopy and ultrasound performance capability (not just interpretation) expands options
- Weekend and holiday on-call rate should be negotiated separately from weekday reads
- Remote reads for rural sites can be done from home — negotiate for flexible scheduling
Contract Review Checklist
Items to review carefully before signing
- RVU-based pay without a guaranteed minimum daily rate — protects against low-volume shifts
- Turnaround time requirements not specified — sub-20 minute STAT reads can be exhausting at volume
- Teleradiology contract with unlimited read volume — always negotiate a case-count cap
- Credentialing at multiple sites required for one rate — each site should be compensated
Radiology Negotiation Toolkit
Expanded benchmark tables, sample negotiation language, contract review checklist, and state-by-state take-home comparisons. One-time purchase.
View Toolkit →