Radiologist Hourly Pay in San Luis Obispo, CA: $234.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in San Luis Obispo, CA runs $234.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $487,029 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against San Luis Obispo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $207.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $292,219 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Luis Obispo, California, the projected median hourly pay for radiologists is $234.15, which is notably higher than the national median of $212.45. This competitive hourly rate opens various opportunities for radiologists, including part-time positions and per-diem work in settings such as hospital reading rooms, outpatient imaging centers, and even remote work from home. For practitioners who choose to work three days a week, the earnings can be substantial, with entry-level pay starting at around $135.81 per hour, while top earners can reach as high as $328.36. These figures are estimated based on annual salary data, making them vital for understanding the earning potential in this field.
About the San Luis Obispo 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) | $135.81 | $1086.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $168.59 | $1348.70 |
| Median (P50) | $234.15 | $1873.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $283.44 | $2267.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $328.36 | $2626.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Luis Obispo
Based on $234.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $234.15/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Luis Obispo, CA can expect to earn approximately $487,032 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $280,980. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Luis Obispo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Luis Obispo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $9,366.00 | $40,586 | $487,032 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,619.60 | $24,352 | $292,219 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,746.40 | $16,234 | $194,813 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (San Luis Obispo) | $234.15 |
| 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 San Luis Obispo, CA earn a median of $487,029 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.21% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 2.60% below the California state average of $500,030.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $234.15/hr = $292,219/year (purchasing power: $258,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $487,032/year (purchasing power: $430,621).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$183.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$223.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$234.15/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in San Luis Obispo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $183.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $192.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $202.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $238.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $223.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $234.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $245.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in San Luis Obispo grew 21.6% from $183.46/hr (2021) to $223.00/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $245.86/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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo
For radiologists considering part-time opportunities in San Luis Obispo, working 24 hours a week can yield an impressive annual income compared to a full-time schedule. Per diem providers are particularly well-compensated, with night-hawk shifts in teleradiology offering between $1,200-$2,500 for overnight work, while weekend coverage can bring in $1,500-$3,000 per day. Specialized locum tenens work in interventional radiology can offer rates exceeding $3,000 per day in case of staffing shortages. The pay dynamics vary significantly among employer types, such as private radiology practices, hospital-employed positions, and teleradiology firms. Radiologists often face a trade-off between hourly pay and benefits; partnerships may provide higher pay, but full-time W-2 positions typically include health insurance and retirement benefits. When negotiating, it’s crucial to consider the full spectrum of compensation, including job security and work-life balance, to arrive at a satisfactory agreement that aligns with personal and professional goals.
More salary data for San Luis Obispo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologists in San Luis Obispo in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologists make in San Luis Obispo?
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How much does a full-time radiologist make per year in San Luis Obispo?
Do radiologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Luis Obispo?
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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 San Luis Obispo. 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 San Luis Obispo 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