Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Pelham, AL: $225,838 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Pelham, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $225,838 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pelham's local price level (BEA RPP 87.9 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $256,926 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($389,376) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a radiologist in Pelham, Alabama, the entry-level salary forecast for 2026 begins at $225,838, positioning new graduates significantly below the city median of $389,376. This gap highlights that fresh graduates can expect phase-based salary growth over their early years, moving from the initial pay towards the 25th percentile of $280,350 and ultimately aiming for the median in about three to five years. With the projected annual growth in this field at 5.00%, this city currently presents a reasonable job market for new radiologists, balancing expectations against long-term financial prospects.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pelham
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 Pelham
Entry-level radiologists in Pelham, AL typically start between $225,838 and $280,350 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $288,092 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $389,376 — 11.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Alabama of $220,000 represents just 97.41% of the starting radiologist pay ($225,838/year) in Pelham. 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 Pelham
- 1Research the Pelham market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $225,838 to $280,350, 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 Pelham, 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 Pelham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pelham'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 Pelham is $288,092 ( 127.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $225,838, experienced hygienists can earn up to $513,930.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$190,364
2025 BLS Actual
$215,084
2026 Current Est.
$225,838
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Pelham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $190,364 | Actual |
| 2022 | $187,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $192,732 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,299 | Actual |
| 2025 | $215,084 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $225,838 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $237,130 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pelham, AL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $190,364 in 2021 to $215,084 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $237,130. New graduates entering the Pelham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pelham 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 Pelham
Focusing on actual employment opportunities, several local hospitals and medical practices are prime employers for newly minted radiologists. Academic medical centers in Pelham often provide ample subspecialty options and fellowship programs, essential for establishing a comprehensive skill set and advancing one's career. Large private partnerships typically seek candidates fresh out of residency, offering a structured pathway to partnership that can take two to three years. Teleradiology firms also fill their rosters with fellowship-trained radiologists who prefer a remote-first lifestyle, further diversifying job prospects in the area. Credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are crucial in boosting starting pay in Alabama. Given the evolving landscape with private equity acquisitions affecting partnership tracks since 2018, radiologists should strategize around their first few years, especially within the distinctions of W-2 employment versus private practice opportunities. Considering these dynamics, a realistic expectation for salary progress in Pelham’s market could bring new grads closer to figures of $400,000 to $550,000 within about three years, depending on the path they choose.
More salary data for Pelham, 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 Pelham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pelham 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