2

Entry Level Radiologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital seeks a Sonographer I for their Radiology department responsible for operating sonographic and other related equipment in an entry level position. Assists physicians as ...

Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital seeks a Sonographer I for their Radiology department responsible for operating sonographic and other related equipment in an entry level position. Assists ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Radiologist information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$340.5K

$394.8K

How much do entry level radiologist jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level radiologist in California is $340,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $315,800.00 and $394,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Radiologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Radiologist, you need a medical degree, completion of a radiology residency, and a strong understanding of human anatomy and diagnostic imaging. Familiarity with imaging modalities such as X-ray, CT, MRI, PACS systems, and board certification or eligibility are typically required. Detail orientation, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help radiologists interpret images accurately and convey findings to referring physicians. These qualifications and soft skills are crucial for ensuring precise diagnoses and facilitating optimal patient care.

What types of cases and imaging modalities are typically assigned to entry-level radiologists, and how is workload managed in the early stages of the role?

Entry-level radiologists often begin with more routine cases such as chest X-rays, basic ultrasounds, and non-contrast CT scans. Workload is carefully managed by senior radiologists or department leads to ensure a gradual increase in complexity as you gain experience and confidence. You’ll typically work under supervision, with opportunities for case discussions and feedback, fostering both learning and patient safety. Collaboration with technologists, referring physicians, and more experienced radiologists is a daily part of the position, making communication skills especially valuable in your early career.

What is an entry level radiologist?

An entry level radiologist is a medical doctor who has recently completed their residency in radiology and is beginning their career in the field. They are trained to interpret medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to help diagnose and treat diseases. At this stage, they often work under the supervision of more experienced radiologists and continue to develop their expertise in various imaging techniques. Entry level radiologists may also be involved in performing certain imaging procedures and consulting with other physicians regarding patient care.

What is the difference between Entry Level Radiologist vs Radiology Technician?

AspectEntry Level RadiologistRadiology Technician
Required CredentialsMedical degree (MD or DO), residency in radiology, board certificationAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in radiologic technology, certification (ARRT)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, imaging centers, often overseeing imaging proceduresHospitals, clinics, outpatient imaging centers, performing imaging scans
Employer & Industry UsageMedical practices, hospitals, radiology groupsHospitals, outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging centers

Entry Level Radiologists are medical doctors specializing in interpreting medical images, requiring extensive education and certification. Radiology Technicians assist in performing imaging procedures under radiologists' supervision, with less formal education. While both work in medical imaging environments, radiologists diagnose and interpret images, whereas technicians operate imaging equipment. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths in medical imaging.

What are the most commonly searched types of Radiologist jobs in California? The most popular types of Radiologist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Radiologist jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Radiologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Radiologist job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 15% Physical, and 85% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $340,453 per year, or $163.7 per hour.
Sonographer I PD

Sonographer I PD

Cottage Health

Goleta, CA • On-site

$66/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Cottage Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital seeks a Sonographer I for their Radiology department responsible for operating sonographic and other related equipment in an entry level position. Assists physicians as necessary to complete diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures for patients of all ages. Has a basic knowledge of anatomy and pathology as it relates to ultrasound imaging. Responsibilities include:
  • Coordinates patient flow and responsible for producing quality images efficiently and safely.

QUALIFICATIONS:
All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently.
Education:
  • Preferred: Graduate from a two (2) year Allied Health Ultrasound Program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and one (1) year of full-time, supervised scanning as a student sonographer, in a hospital setting.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Minimum: RDMS or RVT eligible. Obtains either RDMS or RVT registry within one (1) year of hire. American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS).
  • Preferred: RDMS in abdomen, OB/GYN and RVT. American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS).

Technical Requirements:
  • Minimum: General, OB/GYN, and Small Parts experience.
  • Preferred: General, OB/GYN, Small Part, and procedure assistance experience. Vascular ultrasound experience.

Years of Related Work Experience:
  • Preferred: 1 year, full time, in a hospital setting, preforming general and vascular ultrasound exams, independently, post-graduation.

About Us
Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a Rehabilitation Hospital, multiple clinics and a multi-site Urgent Care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives - in the places they love.
Cottage Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cottage Health applicants are considered solely based on their qualifications, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, transgender, gender expression and identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status or any other classification protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the relationship between Cottage Health and an applicant or employee. Cottage Health is committed to upholding discrimination-free hiring practices. We strive to cultivate an environment where exceptional people bring diverse perspectives and find belonging, support and connection to their work.
Any Cottage Health applicants who require assistance or reasonable accommodations during the application process may request the need for accommodation with the Recruiter.
*Pay for non-physician positions is determined based on related years of experience and internal equity. Eligible employees may also receive additional forms of compensation, including shift differentials, on-call pay, incentive pay, and bonus opportunities, where applicable. Manager and above positions may participate in Cottage Health's annual management incentive program. Physician compensation is determined based upon specialty and may include bonus potential. For more information on our comprehensive Total Rewards offerings, please visit https://cottagehealth.org/careers/total-rewards.
If you're already a Cottage Health employee, please apply on this link only.

What Cottage Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom