Choosing the right state to practice radiology can influence career satisfaction, earning potential, and work–life balance. Whether you’re an early-career radiology specialist building a patient base or an experienced provider looking to relocate, location matters.

The list below features the top 10 states that offer the most favorable conditions for radiologists—blending salary potential, growth opportunities (clinical, stewardship, and public health roles), and supportive health care and public health infrastructure.

1. Wisconsin – Ranked the best state for physicians overall, it offers low malpractice premiums, high compensation (average in the mid-$350,000s), strong insurance coverage among residents, and a cost of living around the national average.

2. Minnesota – The state has high life expectancy and low malpractice premiums, and its cost of living is slightly below the national average.

3. Washington – Salaries are in the mid-$350,000 range, and while the cost of living is higher than average, residents have some of the highest disposable incomes in the country, and the state ranks well for a healthy population and good retention of physician residents.

4. Massachusetts – Salaries are in the mid-$350,000s, general physician compensation ranks near the top nationally, and the state is among the more expensive, with higher malpractice premiums than many others.

5. Pennsylvania – It is one of the top-paying states for radiologists, with average salaries in the mid-$370,000s, while the cost of living remains slightly below the national average.

6. New York – Tops the list for radiologist salaries, averaging just over $400,000, but its cost of living is among the highest in the country.

7. North Dakota – It has low malpractice premiums and a cost of living about 9% below the US average, with salaries just under $350,000.

8. Alaska – One of the most medically underserved states, Alaska offers radiologists salaries in the mid-$350,000s and with relatively low reported burnout. Although the cost of living is high, there is no state income tax or sales tax.

9. Arizona – Average annual salary is in the $340,000s, and the cost of living is higher than the national average.

10. South Dakota – Average annual salary is in the $330,000s, while the cost of living is below the national average.

Sources: Forbes, Healthgrades, Insure, Medality