Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Madison, AL: $238,102 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Madison, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $238,102 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Madison's local price level (BEA RPP 87.9 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $270,878 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($410,521) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new radiology graduates in Madison, Alabama, the entry-level salary for 2026 starts at around $238,102, marking a significant entry point into the field. This starting figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary for radiologists, which is projected at $410,521. While there's a substantial gap at the entry-level, new graduates can expect a progressive increase in salary as they move through their careers. The anticipated growth from the P10 level to the P25, reaching approximately $295,575, suggests that those who remain in the profession can see their earnings rise in the first few years. With a moderate growth rate of 5.00% annually and a cost of living index at 87.9, Madison provides a favorable market for new graduates seeking to build their careers without facing prohibitively high living costs.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Madison
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 Madison
Entry-level radiologists in Madison, AL typically start between $238,102 and $295,575 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $340,228 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $410,521 — 7.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Alabama of $220,000 represents just 92.40% of the starting radiologist pay ($238,102/year) in Madison. 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 Madison
- 1Research the Madison market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $238,102 to $295,575, 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 Madison, 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 Madison for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Madison'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 Madison is $340,228 ( 142.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $238,102, experienced hygienists can earn up to $578,330.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$200,702
2025 BLS Actual
$226,764
2026 Current Est.
$238,102
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Madison (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $200,702 | Actual |
| 2022 | $197,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $203,198 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,004 | Actual |
| 2025 | $226,764 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $238,102 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $250,007 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Madison, AL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $200,702 in 2021 to $226,764 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $250,007. New graduates entering the Madison job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison
When considering their first job, new radiologists should target various healthcare settings in Madison. Academic medical centers are excellent for those seeking a wide range of subspecialties and fellowship opportunities, while large private partnerships often engage recent graduates from residency, with structured pathways to partnership typically in 2-3 years. Teleradiology firms also present an attractive alternative, especially for those interested in remote work. To enhance starting pay in Alabama, candidates should ensure they possess an MD or DO degree, complete a diagnostic radiology residency, obtain ABR board certification, and consider pursuing further fellowships. Strategies for the first few years should reflect the bifurcation in radiology employment structures, where the potential earnings for those on the track to partner in private groups can vastly differ from the compensation structures found in typical W-2 hospital employment. Given the changes in radiology group acquisitions since 2018, understanding the evolving landscape and positioning oneself strategically can lead to noticeable salary growth and professional development as one establishes their career in Madison.
More salary data for Madison, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Madison. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madison 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