Radiologist Salary in Laguna Niguel, CA: $485,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Laguna Niguel, CA earns a median $485,275/year (≈ $233.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Laguna Niguel's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $429,067 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the competitive market for radiologist salary in Laguna Niguel, CA, the projected median annual compensation stands at $485,275 for 2026, representing a notable increase compared to the national median of $441,903. This figure reflects a robust salary range from $281,460 at the 10th percentile to $697,385 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diverse earning potential within the region. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, emphasizing the unique financial landscape for radiologists here. With the added possibilities of teleradiology and side incomes, Laguna Niguel presents an intriguing environment for both new and experienced radiologists seeking to maximize their earnings over time.
About the Laguna Niguel Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $281,460 | $135.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $349,398 | $167.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $485,275 | $233.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $592,799 | $285.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $697,385 | $335.29 |
Median Salary Position
9.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laguna Niguel
In Laguna Niguel, CA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $415,925 (2026 est.). At $485,275, the local median is 9.81% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laguna Niguel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laguna Niguel Radiologist Pay Compares
Laguna Niguel median: $485,275/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laguna Niguel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $499,769 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | +9.81% more |
Radiologists in Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $485,275 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.81% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 2.90% below the California state average of $499,769.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laguna Niguel has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laguna Niguel, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $485,275 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $429,067 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$380,226
2025 BLS Actual
$462,167
2026 Current Est.
$485,275
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Laguna Niguel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $380,226 | Actual |
| 2022 | $399,237 | Actual |
| 2023 | $419,199 | Actual |
| 2024 | $494,166 | Actual |
| 2025 | $462,167 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $485,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $509,539 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laguna Niguel metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $380,226 (2021) to $462,167 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $509,539 by 2027 — a total increase of $129,313 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laguna Niguel 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $281,460 – $349,398 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $349,398 – $485,275 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $485,275 – $592,799 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $592,799 – $697,385 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Laguna Niguel
The job market for radiologists in Laguna Niguel is currently supported by a workforce of 16 professionals, which points to a tight-knit yet competitive environment. Residents face a cost-of-living index of 113.1, meaning that while salaries might appear generous, the purchasing power is somewhat diminished. To achieve the highest radiologist pay in Laguna Niguel, candidates should consider positions in private group practices or academic medical centers, as these often yield the most lucrative opportunities. Understandably, the variance in pay is influenced by factors such as RVU productivity, subspecialty expertise—particularly interventional radiology (IR), which can command premiums—and the distinction between W-2 employment versus partnership stakes in private practices. For maximizing earnings, seeking roles that offer partnership equity, negotiating for favorable call coverage, and maintaining flexibility for teleradiology work can all be strategic advantages in this evolving market.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $462,167 for radiologistsin the Laguna Niguel metropolitan area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laguna Niguel 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