Radiologist Pay

Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Auburn, AL: $238,741 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Auburn, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $238,741 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Auburn's local price level (BEA RPP 87.912% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $271,605 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($411,621) within a few years of clinical practice.

$238,741
Starting Salary
$114.78/hr
Starting Hourly
$238,741
Entry Level
$411,621
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologist Entry Level Salary in Auburn, AL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Auburn, AL radiologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Auburn, Alabama, the starting salaries can present both opportunities and challenges. The entry-level radiologist salary in Auburn is projected at $238,741 in 2026, which indicates a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $411,621. While this initial pay may feel daunting, it provides a pathway for salary growth as radiologists gain experience and skills—moving from the P10 threshold to the P25 at $296,367 within the first few years. With an expected annual growth rate of 5.00%, newly minted radiologists can anticipate a gradual increase in their earnings during those crucial early career stages. Given the local demand for radiological services, Auburn represents a moderately promising market for recent graduates, making it a suitable starting point for those looking to establish their careers in the medical field.

About the Auburn Market

Salary estimated from Alabama average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Auburn

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$238,741/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$296,367/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$411,621/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$506,302/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologists in Auburn. The median salary is $411,621, compared to the national median of $441,903.$214.9K$313.6K$412.3K$511.0K$609.8K$238.7K10th Pctl$296.4K25th Pctl$411.6KMedian$506.3K75th Pctl$580.7K90th PctlUS Median$441.9K

Entry-level radiologists in Auburn, AL typically start between $238,741 and $296,367 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $341,994 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $411,6216.85% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologist pay in the Auburn metro area.

Return on Investment

$220,000
Avg AL Program Cost
$238,741
Starting Salary
92.15%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiology program cost in Alabama of $220,000 represents just 92.15% of the starting radiologist pay ($238,741/year) in Auburn. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on AAMC tuition reports for LCME-accredited MD programs and COCA-accredited DO programs plus ACGME-accredited diagnostic radiology residency data. Totals reflect 4 years of medical school tuition, fees, and living expenses. Residency is salaried but adds opportunity cost; subspecialty fellowships add 1-2 additional years.

MD, DO Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Auburn

  • 1Research the Auburn market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $238,741 to $296,367, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiology field — employers in AL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Auburn, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Auburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Auburn's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Radiologist Compensation Range

The radiologist wage spread in Auburn is $341,994 ( 143.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $238,741, experienced hygienists can earn up to $580,735.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$201,240

2025 BLS Actual

$227,372

2026 Current Est.

$238,741

2021–2027 Growth

+24.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Auburn (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologists in Auburn. Baseline $201,240 in 2025, projected to $250,678 by 2027.$153.2K$181.6K$210.1K$238.5K$266.9K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$201.2K$198.1K$203.7K$169.5K$227.4K$238.7K$250.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$201,240Actual
2022$198,149Actual
2023$203,743Actual
2024$169,457Actual
2025$227,372Actual
2026(current)$238,741Estimated
2027$250,678Projected

Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Auburn, AL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $201,240 in 2021 to $227,372 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $250,678. New graduates entering the Auburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.00% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your radiology Career in Auburn

Employers in Auburn that recruit entry-level radiologists predominantly include academic medical centers, private radiology partnerships, and teleradiology firms. Academic institutions offer opportunities for fellowship training and access to a wide array of subspecialties, which can enhance both experience and future job prospects. In contrast, large private partnerships often hire residents directly from their postgraduate programs, enabling new graduates to transition smoothly into practice, typically with a 2-3 year pathway toward partnership. For those considering a remote-first lifestyle, teleradiology positions are increasingly available, often requiring fellowship training to maximize earning potential. Credentials play a crucial role in determining starting pay in Alabama, with an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, ABR board certification, and DEA registration being critical. To fully capitalize on the growth potential, new radiologists are encouraged to consider subspecialty fellowships and actively engage with professional organizations like the ACR. Over the first few years, the salary trajectory can vary significantly based on employment type, with W-2 hospital employment typically starting lower, while private partnerships may present higher income opportunities, particularly in light of recent changes in the market dynamics due to private equity acquisitions of radiology groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologists in Auburn in 2026?

Entry-level radiologists in Auburn start at approximately $238,741/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.00% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $114.78/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Auburn?

Most radiologists in Auburn progress from the entry-level salary of $238,741 to the area median of $411,621 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $580,735 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiology school worth it in Auburn?

With a starting salary of $238,741/year in Auburn and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologists make right out of school in Auburn?

New radiology graduates in Auburn typically start near the 10th percentile at $238,741/year, or approximately $114.78/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologist in Alabama?

To become a licensed radiologist in Alabama, you typically need md or do degree (4 years), 1-year internship, 4-year diagnostic radiology residency (acgme-accredited), american board of radiology (abr) board certification. optional 1-2 year subspecialty fellowships in interventional radiology, neuroradiology, breast imaging, body imaging, musculoskeletal, pediatric, or nuclear medicine., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Alabama, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Alabama

MC

Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD

Career Analyst

Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Lisa Gonzalez, MD

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiology graduates. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Auburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Auburn is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologists (SOC 29-1224).

Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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