Understanding Radiologist Salaries in the UK

Radiologists are highly trained medical professionals who interpret medical images to diagnose and treat conditions. Their salaries reflect the extensive training and responsibility involved. In this article, we break down the latest UK radiologist salary data, explain how hourly rates translate to annual pay, and discuss part-time versus full-time considerations.

Typical Annual and Hourly Rates

Based on recent data from Check-a-Salary (March 2025), the average physician radiology salary in the UK is £104,212.60 per year. The range spans from £39,500 for junior roles to £126,281 for experienced specialists. BeBee’s 2026 salary guide, drawing from nearly 2,000 job listings, reports a median radiologist salary of £109,725 to £110,240 per year.

For a full-time radiologist working 37.5 hours per week (standard NHS contract), the hourly equivalent of the average salary is approximately £53–£56 per hour. This is calculated by dividing the annual salary by 1,950 hours (37.5 hours × 52 weeks). However, actual hourly rates can vary significantly based on grade, experience, and additional duties.

Hourly to Annual Conversion: Hours per Week Assumptions

When converting an hourly rate to an annual salary, it is essential to clarify the assumed working hours. The NHS standard full-time week for doctors is 37.5 hours, but some radiologists work 40 hours or more, especially in private practice. The formula is:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For example, if a radiologist earns £55 per hour and works 37.5 hours per week, the annual salary would be £55 × 37.5 × 52 = £107,250. If they work 40 hours per week, it rises to £114,400.

Our Hourly to Salary tool allows you to input your own hours and see the annual equivalent instantly.

Part-Time vs Full-Time Considerations

Many radiologists work part-time, either by choice or as part of less-than-full-time training. Part-time pay is calculated pro-rata based on the full-time equivalent (FTE). For instance, a radiologist working 0.6 FTE (three days a week) would receive 60% of the full-time salary. The hourly rate remains the same, but total annual earnings are lower.

The NHS Pay and Conditions Circular (M&D) 1/2026 confirms that doctors training less than full time receive an annual allowance of £1,000, paid monthly on top of salary. This is designed to support those balancing training with other commitments.

Part-time radiologists also receive pro-rated London weighting and other allowances. It is important to check your contract for exact terms, as some trusts may have different policies.

London Weighting and Additional Allowances

Radiologists working in London or other high-cost areas are entitled to London weighting. According to the NHS Pay and Conditions Circular, the higher rate is £11,673 per year and the lower rate is £5,837 per year. These amounts are paid in addition to basic salary and are pro-rated for part-time staff.

Other allowances include weekend working supplements (for those rostered at least 1 in 8 weekends), on-call payments, and clinical excellence awards. These can significantly boost total earnings. The NHS Staff Earnings Estimates (March 2026) show that mean annual non-basic pay per person for all doctors was £5,447, reflecting these extras.

Regional Variations

Radiologist salaries vary across the UK. Check-a-Salary data (based on ONS figures) shows the highest average physician radiology salary in the North East (£122,875) and the lowest in Yorkshire and the Humber (£80,277). London, despite its higher cost of living, shows an average of £95,979, possibly due to a mix of junior and senior roles. These regional differences highlight the importance of considering location when evaluating job offers.

How Radiologist Salaries Compare to Other NHS Roles

For context, the median full-time gross annual pay for all UK employees is around £39,039 (on-site reference DB). Radiologist salaries are significantly higher, reflecting the specialist training and responsibility. The National Living Wage for 2026/27 is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over, which equates to about £24,785 per year at 37.5 hours per week.

Radiologists are on medical and dental contracts, not the Agenda for Change pay bands used by nurses and allied health professionals. The NHS Employers pay scales for 2026/27 show Band 5 nurses starting at £38,488 per year, while consultant radiologists (typically on Band 8d or 9 equivalent) earn much more.

Using Our Tools

Whether you are a radiologist considering a new role or a job seeker comparing offers, our salary articles and salary data pages provide further insights. You can also use the hourly calculator to convert your own rate. Remember that actual pay depends on your rota, holiday pay method, London weighting, and overtime rules. Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance.

For more topics related to UK salaries, visit our topics page or learn about how we compile data.