Radiologist Hourly Pay in New Orleans, LA: $214.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in New Orleans, LA runs $214.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $445,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against New Orleans's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $237.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $267,557 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In New Orleans, the radiologist hourly pay is projected to be $214.39 in 2026, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $212.45. This wage is advantageous for those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, enabling a flexible schedule significantly within settings like hospital reading rooms, outpatient imaging centers, and teleradiology hubs. For professionals working three days a week, the hourly rate allows for sustained earning without the demands of full-time obligations. The hourly range varies considerably, with entry-level radiologists earning approximately $124.34, while top earners can command up to $315.72 per hour, highlighting diverse compensation within the field tailored to experience and expertise.
About the New Orleans Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $124.34 | $994.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $154.36 | $1234.88 |
| Median (P50) | $214.39 | $1715.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $263.80 | $2110.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $315.72 | $2525.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Orleans
Based on $214.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $214.39/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Orleans, LA can expect to earn approximately $445,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $257,267. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Orleans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Orleans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $8,575.56 | $37,161 | $445,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,145.34 | $22,296 | $267,557 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,430.22 | $14,864 | $178,372 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (New Orleans) | $214.39 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA earn a median of $445,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.91% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 3.10% above the Louisiana state average of $432,519.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $214.39/hr = $267,557/year (purchasing power: $296,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $445,929/year (purchasing power: $493,831).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$167.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$204.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$214.39/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in New Orleans (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $167.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $176.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $185.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $152.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $204.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $214.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $225.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in New Orleans grew 21.6% from $167.98/hr (2021) to $204.18/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $225.11/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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans
Focusing on the earning dynamics, a radiologist working part-time for three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can still achieve a respectable annual income comparable to full-time roles, assuming consistent shifts. Those in per-diem positions often find they can significantly enhance their earnings—particularly in roles such as Teleradiology night-hawk shifts, which can net between $1,200 and $2,500 per overnight, surpassing standard hourly wages. Weekend coverage pays even more, often reaching $3,000 per day, while subspecialty interventional radiology locum jobs have been known to exceed $3,000 for a single day at facilities needing urgent staffing. The hourly pay structure can differ profoundly depending on employer type; private radiology practices may offer different incentives than hospital-employed departments or academic institutions. Alongside financial compensation, many radiologists must consider the trade-offs between higher wages without benefits and lower hourly rates that include comprehensive health coverage. For those negotiating hourly pay in New Orleans, clarity on expected work hours, potential for per-diem assignments, and benefit packages are essential conversation points.
More salary data for New Orleans, LA:
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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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