Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Phenix City, AL: $240,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Phenix City, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $240,303 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Phenix City's local price level (BEA RPP 87.9 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $273,382 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($414,316) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level radiologist salary in Phenix City, Alabama, begins at approximately $240,303. For new graduates stepping into this profession, it's crucial to align expectations, especially considering the city’s median salary of $414,316. The gap between starting pay and the median is notable, highlighting a common trajectory where radiologists can expect progression from the entry-level figure towards the median within three to five years. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, early-career professionals in this market have solid potential to see their salaries rise as they gain experience and establish their practices, making Phenix City a promising place for new radiology graduates to launch their careers.
About the Phenix City Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Phenix City
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 Phenix City
Entry-level radiologists in Phenix City, AL typically start between $240,303 and $298,308 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $309,467 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $414,316 — 6.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Alabama of $220,000 represents just 91.55% of the starting radiologist pay ($240,303/year) in Phenix City. 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 Phenix City
- 1Research the Phenix City market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $240,303 to $298,308, 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 Phenix City, 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 Phenix City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Phenix City'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 Phenix City is $309,467 ( 128.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $240,303, experienced hygienists can earn up to $549,770.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$202,557
2025 BLS Actual
$228,860
2026 Current Est.
$240,303
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Phenix City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $202,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $199,446 | Actual |
| 2023 | $205,077 | Actual |
| 2024 | $170,566 | Actual |
| 2025 | $228,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $240,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $252,318 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Phenix City, AL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $202,557 in 2021 to $228,860 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $252,318. New graduates entering the Phenix City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phenix City 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 Phenix City
In Phenix City, employers vary widely in their recruitment of newly graduated radiologists. While a handful of local hospitals might hire directly, larger academic medical centers tend to offer more comprehensive training pipelines, including fellowship opportunities that can enhance career growth. Additionally, large private partnerships often look for post-residency hires, offering paths to partnership with the prospect of substantial earnings in subsequent years. Starting salaries such as those received by new grads can be improved through credentials like ABR board certification and the completion of subspecialty fellowships, which bolster one’s marketability. In the evolving radiology landscape, strategic career decisions in the first few years can significantly impact long-term income potential. Thus, graduates should consider their choices wisely, balancing the allure of W-2 employment against the benefits of private practice or specialized fields, especially as the industry adapts post-2018 with increasing private equity influence on radiology groups.
More salary data for Phenix City, 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 Phenix City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Phenix City 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