Radiologist Hourly Pay in Mission Viejo, CA: $242.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Mission Viejo, CA runs $242.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $504,434 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Mission Viejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $214.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $302,663 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologists in Mission Viejo, CA, can expect a solid median hourly pay of $242.52, which surpasses the national median of $212.45 by a notable margin. This favorable hourly rate is particularly beneficial for those engaging in part-time work or per-diem positions, which are common within the profession. A radiologist working three days a week could easily make considerable income while balancing personal commitments. Within the field, entry-level professionals may start at around $140.66 per hour, while highly experienced practitioners can command rates of up to $334.20. The lucrative hourly pay opportunities in Mission Viejo reflect the hospital reading rooms, outpatient imaging centers, and remote reading stations that cater to a diverse range of radiological needs.
About the Mission Viejo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $140.66 | $1125.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $174.62 | $1396.92 |
| Median (P50) | $242.52 | $1940.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $287.66 | $2301.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $334.20 | $2673.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission Viejo
Based on $242.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $242.52/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission Viejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $504,438 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $291,022. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mission Viejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission Viejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $9,700.74 | $42,037 | $504,438 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,820.44 | $25,222 | $302,663 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,880.30 | $16,815 | $201,775 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Mission Viejo) | $242.52 |
| Anesthesiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Cardiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.15 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $40.79 |
Radiologists in Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $504,434 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 0.90% above the California state average of $499,934.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $242.52/hr = $302,663/year (purchasing power: $267,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $504,438/year (purchasing power: $446,011).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$190.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$230.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$242.52/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Mission Viejo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $190.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $199.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $209.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $246.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $230.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $242.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $254.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Mission Viejo grew 21.6% from $190.02/hr (2021) to $230.97/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $254.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mission Viejo 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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologist in Mission Viejo
When considering part-time work, a radiologist who operates three days a week (approximately 24 hours) might bring home an annual income of around $182,300, significantly lower than a full-time salary yet still substantial given the flexibility it offers. For those looking to increase their earnings, per diem and locum tenens opportunities abound, especially in situations requiring immediate coverage. Typical night-hawk radiology shifts can yield anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 for overnight work, with weekend shifts attracting $1,500 to $3,000 daily. Interestingly, the type of employer significantly impacts hourly rates in Mission Viejo, as private practices often offer partnership-level compensation exceeding hospital employment packages. Thus, many physicians may choose between stability and benefits versus a higher hourly rate that comes without health insurance. For negotiation, understanding local market conditions and individual group dynamics can enhance a radiologist's hourly pay potential significantly.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologists in Mission Viejo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mission Viejo 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