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Radiology Job Search: Taking Advantage of an Evolving Market

June 5, 2025

Radiologists are in high demand. Beckers Hospital Review reports that while the number of imaging studies ordered each year continues to increase (the American College of Radiology projects that the US will hit one billion in 2025), the number of radiologists coming out of training is not keeping pace. Meanwhile, according to the AAMC, 30% of all radiologists were over 65 in 2023, indicating the recent wave of radiology retirements is just beginning. For these reasons, job-seeking radiologists have plenty of opportunities to choose from. 

Given the abundance of opportunity, many radiologists, especially those seeking their first radiology jobs, are tempted to accept the job with the highest physician compensation. However, as Regional Vice President of Physician Recruitment for Jackson Physician Search, I strongly caution against this approach. Radiologists must consider several factors when evaluating potential opportunities, including practice setting, work-life balance, teleradiology options, location, and, of course, compensation.

Radiology Practice Settings: Weighing Your Options

Radiology is unique in that it involves significantly less patient interaction and relationship building than other specialties. This fact, along with the rise of telehealth technology, has led many radiologists to pursue one hundred percent remote opportunities. While these jobs are increasingly available, I always press candidates to think through the implications of full-time remote work and consider if they will be satisfied working without in-person collaboration and mentorship. It’s critical for physicians to consider all the options, as your chosen practice setting impacts every aspect of your professional life.

Academic Institutions

Academic radiology positions are ideal for those who value teaching, research, and subspecialty practice. These roles often offer opportunities to focus on a chosen subspecialty, collaborate on research projects, and mentor trainees. Long-term earning potential may be lower than in private practice, but academic centers typically provide robust benefits and job security. The culture emphasizes collegiality, professional growth, and creativity.

Hospital Employment

Hospital-based radiologists may work in community or tertiary care centers. These roles often require a mix of general and subspecialty work, depending on the hospital’s size and patient population. Hospital employment can offer stable salaries, comprehensive benefits, and predictable schedules, but may involve more on-call responsibilities. Some hospitals partner with teleradiology groups to cover night and weekend shifts, providing flexibility for radiologists seeking remote work.

Private Practice

Traditional private practices remain attractive for radiologists seeking autonomy, partnership opportunities, and potentially higher compensation. These groups may contract with local hospitals or imaging centers and often expect radiologists to handle a mix of general and subspecialty cases. Partnership tracks can be appealing, as they offer a pathway to shared governance and profit-sharing.

Private Equity-Owned Groups

Over the past decade, radiology groups have seen an increase in private equity (PE) investment. PE-owned groups may offer competitive salaries, signing bonuses, and streamlined administrative support. While some radiologists appreciate the operational efficiency and earning potential that private equity groups offer, others may find the changes in governance and productivity expectations less appealing.

Teleradiology

Teleradiology offers flexibility, location independence, and often a focus on night reads or high-volume shifts. It’s especially appealing to those who value control over hours and geography. However, full-time teleradiology can be isolating, with limited collegial interaction, and rarely offers a path to leadership or academic involvement.

Radiology Job Search Priorities

Beyond the practice setting, radiologists must also weigh factors such as scope of practice, work-life balance, location, and compensation. Job seekers should prioritize each factor and focus on those “must-have” components of a job while also keeping an eye out for those “nice-to-have” factors.

Scope of Practice: Subspecialty vs. General Radiology

More than 90% of radiologists complete a fellowship, but most radiology jobs involve some element of general radiology. That is, it is unusual for a radiologist to practice exclusively in their subspecialty. Those who prioritize practicing within a subspecialization will have limited options available to them. Academic hospitals and larger private practices can offer 100% breast, neuro, body, etc. positions, with the option to keep up general skills, while smaller hospitals and private practices often require broader general radiology coverage. Teleradiology can provide both options, with some positions emphasizing general diagnostic work and others allowing subspecialty focus.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a top priority for many radiologists. Remote and teleradiology positions offer unmatched flexibility, allowing radiologists to select shifts that suit their lifestyle, such as 7-on/14-off or night-only schedules. Hospital and academic roles may have more structured hours but can involve call and weekend duties. Private practices vary widely, with some offering flexible arrangements and others expecting higher productivity.

Compensation

Radiology compensation varies significantly by practice setting and geography. Private practice and PE-owned groups often lead in earning potential, especially for high-volume or partnership-track positions. Hospital and academic roles typically offer base plus production models, along with comprehensive benefits and retirement plans. Teleradiology compensation can be a base salary plus RVU, a pay-per-shift/salary, or a pay-per-click model. (Though more people are straying away from pay-per-click.) Across practice settings, recruitment incentives are increasingly standard.

Location: Rural vs. Urban/Suburban

Geography remains a critical factor. Urban and suburban areas offer access to cultural amenities, diverse patient populations, and networking opportunities, but may have more competition for positions. Rural areas often struggle to recruit radiologists and may offer higher salaries, loan repayment, or sign-on bonuses to attract talent. Teleradiology has blurred these lines to a degree. Diagnostic radiologists can now live in their preferred location while serving hospitals nationwide, but interventional radiologists must still be on site, at least part-time. Some opt for a diagnostic telehealth role and do locum IR work to maintain their skills.

One More Consideration: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

AI is rapidly transforming radiology, with algorithms increasingly capable of detecting abnormalities, prioritizing worklists, and automating routine tasks. While some fear job displacement, AI is more likely to augment radiologists’ capabilities, improving efficiency and accuracy. Radiologists who embrace AI tools can focus on complex cases, consultations, and interventional procedures. Staying current with AI advancements and integrating them into daily practice will be essential for future-proofing your career. When evaluating radiology opportunities, inquire about how the organization utilizes AI and its plans for future impact.

Conclusion

Shaped by evolving practice settings, emerging technologies, and shifting professional priorities, the radiology job market in 2025 is rich with opportunity. If you are a new graduate or an experienced radiologist considering a career change, understanding the nuances of today’s job market is crucial for making informed career decisions. Whether you prioritize subspecialty practice, work-life balance, compensation, or location, there is a practice setting to match your goals. Teleradiology and AI are reshaping the field, offering new ways to work and deliver care. By carefully considering your priorities and remaining adaptable, you can capitalize on the evolving market and build a rewarding radiology career.

If you are seeking a new radiology job, the recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search is eager to help. Reach out to a recruiter today or start searching radiology jobs online now.


About Helen Falkner

As the daughter of a physician and an Iowa native, Helen has witnessed firsthand the impact a great physician can have on a community. She joined Jackson Physician Search at the company’s headquarters in Alpharetta, GA, as an entry-level Research Consultant in 2012. Through her consistent success as an individual contributor and manager, Falkner progressed quickly to Partner in 2018 and assumed her role as Regional Vice President of Recruiting for Jackson Physician Search’s Western Division in October 2020. In January 2021, she relocated to the firm’s Denver office, where she leads a team of successful physician recruiters while actively continuing to recruit for her clients.

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