What Radiologists Earn in Australia
Radiology remains one of Australia’s highest-earning medical specialties, though income varies significantly based on experience, subspecialty, work setting, and access to private billings. Broadly, radiologists can earn anywhere from under $200,000 as trainees to more than $1 million annually for senior private practitioners.
Why Are Radiologists Paid So Competitively?
Radiologists are among the highest-paid doctors because they sit at the centre of modern healthcare. Most clinical decisions rely on imaging, making radiologists essential for accurate, timely diagnosis. Their training pathway is long and highly competitive, which keeps the workforce relatively small while demand for imaging continues to rise due to ageing populations, chronic disease, emergency medicine, and cancer screening. This imbalance between high demand and limited supply naturally pushes salaries upward.
Radiologists also benefit from a mix of public, private, and teleradiology work, allowing them to earn from multiple markets that compete for their time. Their role carries significant responsibility, as errors can have major consequences, and they work with expensive, high-throughput technology that generates substantial revenue for hospitals and imaging centres. Subspecialties such as interventional radiology add procedural income streams, further increasing earning potential.
Instead of reducing the need for radiologists, AI and advanced imaging technologies have increased productivity and imaging volumes, reinforcing their value. Overall, radiologists are paid well because of their critical diagnostic role, scarce workforce, technological leverage, and the strong financial contribution imaging provides to the health system.
Typical Earnings Across Career Stages
Trainees and Registrars
Radiology trainees are paid under state-based JMO and registrar awards. Early registrars (PGY1–PGY3) generally earn $76,000–$120,000, while senior registrars can reach $140,000–$190,000 before achieving Fellowship.
Early-Career Consultants (1–5 Years Post-Fellowship)
Full-time public hospital consultants typically earn a base salary of $150,000–$300,000, depending on state and level. Many augment this with private sessions, on-call allowances, or sessional work, which increases total remuneration.
Established Consultants and Private Practitioners
Experienced radiologists—particularly those combining public work with private billings—commonly earn $300,000–$600,000+. Market medians frequently sit around $350,000–$500,000 for seasoned consultants. Senior private radiologists may exceed $700,000, and the highest earners can surpass $1 million annually.
Subspecialty Variations
Interventional Radiology (IR): Often at the top of the earnings spectrum due to procedural work, after-hours demand, and ICU involvement.
Nuclear Medicine / PET: Strong earning potential, typically in the high hundreds of thousands when private work is included.
Paediatric, Neuro, MSK, Breast Imaging: Incomes vary with workload mix and private referral access. Breast imaging can be particularly lucrative when clinics offer onsite procedures and strong referral pathways.
Diagnostic-Only Roles: Tend to earn less than procedural subspecialties, especially without access to private billings.
Locum and Teleradiology Income
Locum Radiologists: Commonly earn $3,500–$4,000+ per day, with up to $5,000/day possible for urgent or hard-to-fill locations. Most placements include travel, accommodation, and a hire car.
Teleradiology: Can pay up to $4,000 per day, though many providers offer a percentage split of MBS billings, which can be lucrative for high-volume reporters.
Key Factors That Influence Earnings
Private Billings / MBS Access: The single biggest driver of income beyond public base salaries.
Location: Rural and remote areas often pay higher rates or include incentives.
On-Call and Sessional Work: Adds significantly to total remuneration.
Market Demand: Ongoing workforce shortages keep locum and private rates strong.
Equity and Dividends: Partners or owners in imaging groups often earn substantially more due to profit distribution.
Additional Variables
Experience: Earnings rise steeply with seniority and subspecialty expertise.
Employer Type: Public hospitals, large private networks, and independent clinics offer different compensation structures.
Geography: Metropolitan centres may offer lower base rates but stronger private billing potential; regional areas often offer higher guaranteed salaries or bonuses.
Connect With Our Radiology Team
Maximise your skills, impact, and income as a radiologist. Whether you’re a trainee, early-career consultant, or an experienced specialist, understanding both your potential income and career opportunities makes all the difference. Contact us today to explore locum roles, private practice options, and career pathways that suit your goals.
Jason Ahmad
Senior Recruitment Consultant - Radiology
T: 0413 742 703
