Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $325,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Fairbanks, AK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $325,574 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fairbanks's local price level (BEA RPP 106.1 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $306,856 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($561,334) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a radiologist in Fairbanks, Alaska, the entry-level salary is projected to start at approximately $325,574 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $561,334, which illustrates the typical earnings growth expected in the early years of practice. New graduates can anticipate a gradual increase in their compensation as they progress through their careers, with realistic expectations to reach around $404,161 after a couple of years. Given Fairbanks' robust healthcare sector and a projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, the city currently represents a positive environment for recent graduates aiming to establish themselves as valuable members of the radiology community.
About the Fairbanks Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($385,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fairbanks
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 Fairbanks
Entry-level radiologists in Fairbanks, AK typically start between $325,574 and $404,161 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $447,940 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $561,334 — 27.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Alaska of $280,000 represents just 86.00% of the starting radiologist pay ($325,574/year) in Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks
- 1Research the Fairbanks market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $325,574 to $404,161, 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 AK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fairbanks's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Fairbanks is $447,940 ( 137.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $325,574, experienced hygienists can earn up to $773,514.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$274,433
2025 BLS Actual
$310,070
2026 Current Est.
$325,574
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Fairbanks (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $274,433 | Actual |
| 2022 | $270,218 | Actual |
| 2023 | $277,847 | Actual |
| 2024 | $234,989 | Actual |
| 2025 | $310,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $325,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $341,852 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fairbanks, AK grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $274,433 in 2021 to $310,070 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $341,852. New graduates entering the Fairbanks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks
Employment opportunities in Fairbanks are diverse, with local hospitals and private practices actively seeking new graduates. Academic medical centers can provide immersive experiences through subspecialty fellowships and comprehensive training, while larger private partnerships often hire recent residency grads, promising a rapid career path to partnership roles. Credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are essential for competitive salaries. Understanding the difference between working as an independent contractor or within hospital employment models is crucial; contracts can vary significantly, typically providing higher annual salaries for private practice settings compared to W-2 hospital employment. Expect salary growth during the first several years in Fairbanks to align with regional trends, creating a strong foundation for further professional development and financial stability.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
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 Fairbanks. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairbanks 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