The Residency Salary of a Radiologist
Radiologists help improve patient safety. Resident radiologists learn skills and techniques using advanced technology, under the supervision of experienced radiologists. Radiologists require multiple advanced degrees and formal training amounting to an average of 12 years of postsecondary study before they can practice. The market outlook for radiologists is very good, particularly in medically underserved geographic regions. It is for these reasons that would-be radiologists can command above-average salaries while in residency training.
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Job Description
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Radiologists are physicians who use advanced technologies to help accurately treat and diagnose patients. These technologies include ultrasound; magnetic resonance imaging, "MRI"; computerized tomography, "CT" scans; and x-rays. Radiology residents train using these technologies to become proficient in providing effective and customized patient care. Resident radiologists often specialize in a particular field like pediatric radiology or radiation oncology.
Low Salary Range Factors
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The salary range for radiologists in postgraduate residency can vary slightly. Among the primary influencing factors are hospital size, location and postgraduate year. For example, a first-year postgraduate enrolled in the diagnostic radiology residency program can expect to make $44,000. Alternatively, a postgraduate year seven "PGY7" can make $48,000, according to the Wake Forest School of Medicine Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program for 2010.
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High Salary Range Factors
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Aspiring radiologists can increase their salaries by becoming accepted to the top-ranked radiology residency programs. Resident salaries range from $48,900 for a postgraduate year 2 "PGY2," to $59,300 for a PGY5, according to Oregon Health & Science University, as of May 2011. Competition within the radiology specialties such as radiation oncology can be high. As an example, for every first-year postgraduate radiation oncology resident position available, there was an average of 7.2 applicants in 2008, according to Medliorate.com.
Job and Salary Forecast
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The market outlook for radiologists is expected to grow much faster than average. Employment as a physician is projected to grow 22 percent by 2018 versus 2008 figures, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Radiologists can enhance the demand for their services by gaining experience at large notable hospitals and achieving relevant specialized degrees and board certifications.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons
- Oregon Health & Science University: Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program Information
- Wake Forest School of Medicine: Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program
- Radiology Schools: Radiologist M.D.
- The Radiology Blog; What Is a Good Radiology Resident Salary?; January 2009
Resources
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