Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Decatur, AL: $244,658 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Decatur, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $244,658 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Decatur's local price level (BEA RPP 87.9 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $278,337 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($421,825) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in Decatur, AL, the entry-level radiologist salary is projected at $244,658 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, it is important for recent graduates to understand that it is still a significant starting point compared to the median annual salary of $421,825 in the area. With a pathway to further growth, aspiring radiologists can reasonably expect their salaries to increase as they gain experience, moving from the entry-level rate through to the 25th percentile at $303,714 within the first few years of their careers. Given Decatur's competitive salary potential and its favorable cost of living index of 87.9, the market currently presents a promising opportunity for new graduates looking to establish themselves in radiology.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Decatur
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
Entry-level radiologists in Decatur, AL typically start between $244,658 and $303,714 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $344,602 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $421,825 — 4.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Alabama of $220,000 represents just 89.92% of the starting radiologist pay ($244,658/year) in Decatur. 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 Decatur
- 1Research the Decatur market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $244,658 to $303,714, 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 Decatur, 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 Decatur for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Decatur'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 Decatur is $344,602 ( 140.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $244,658, experienced hygienists can earn up to $589,260.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$206,228
2025 BLS Actual
$233,008
2026 Current Est.
$244,658
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Decatur (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $206,228 | Actual |
| 2022 | $203,061 | Actual |
| 2023 | $208,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,008 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $244,658 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $256,891 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Decatur, AL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $206,228 in 2021 to $233,008 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $256,891. New graduates entering the Decatur job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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 Decatur
Employers in Decatur cater to recent graduates by offering a range of positions, from large hospital systems to specialized teleradiology firms that allow for flexible work arrangements. New grads can enhance their starting pay and career trajectory through additional credentials such as board certification from the ABR and specialized fellowships, which can differentiate them in a field increasingly influenced by private equity involvement. First-year radiologists should prioritize aligning with employers that provide mentorship opportunities and career advancement paths, as the landscape has shifted toward private partnerships offering lucrative earnings once you reach partnership status. Realistically, within the first three years, new graduates can expect salary increases as they transition from hospital employment to more lucrative partnerships, particularly as they build their RVU productivity and proficiency in subspecialties.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Decatur in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Decatur?
Is radiology school worth it in Decatur?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Decatur?
How do I become a radiologist in Alabama?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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.
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 Decatur. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Decatur is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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