Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Wasilla, AK: $303,458 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Wasilla, AK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $303,458 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wasilla's local price level (BEA RPP 106.1 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $286,011 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($523,205) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the radiology field in Wasilla, Alaska, should have realistic expectations regarding their starting pay, which is expected to average around $303,458 in 2026. This entry-level salary is significantly below the city's median annual salary for radiologists, projected at $523,205, creating a considerable gap that new grads may need to plan for in their early career choices. However, with time and experience, entry-level radiologists can see growth in their earnings, potentially reaching $376,707 after a few years, and ultimately aligning more closely to the median as they gain expertise. Overall, Wasilla appears to be a promising market for new graduates, offering a solid starting point within the radiology profession.
About the Wasilla Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($385,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wasilla
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 Wasilla
Entry-level radiologists in Wasilla, AK typically start between $303,458 and $376,707 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $386,481 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $523,205 — 18.4% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Alaska of $280,000 represents just 92.27% of the starting radiologist pay ($303,458/year) in Wasilla. 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 Wasilla
- 1Research the Wasilla market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $303,458 to $376,707, 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 Wasilla, 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 Wasilla for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wasilla'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 Wasilla is $386,481 ( 127.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $303,458, experienced hygienists can earn up to $689,939.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$255,792
2025 BLS Actual
$289,008
2026 Current Est.
$303,458
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Wasilla (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $255,792 | Actual |
| 2022 | $251,863 | Actual |
| 2023 | $258,974 | Actual |
| 2024 | $219,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $289,008 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $303,458 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $318,631 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wasilla, AK grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $255,792 in 2021 to $289,008 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $318,631. New graduates entering the Wasilla job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wasilla 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 Wasilla
In Wasilla, several key employers are known to hire new radiology graduates, including academic medical centers that provide opportunities for subspecialty training and fellowships, and larger private practices that bring in residents for two to three-year partnership tracks. Teleradiology firms also present a growing option, favoring fellowship-trained radiologists who seek flexibility with remote work. To enhance starting pay in Alaska, candidates should focus on obtaining essential credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification. Given the evolving dynamics of the industry—where private partnerships often result in salaries ranging from $500,000 to $700,000, and hospital-employment models tend to offer $400,000 to $550,000—new radiologists should plan their career strategies carefully during the first few years. Realistically, those entering the profession can aim for substantial salary growth over their initial 1-3 years, leading them to more lucrative opportunities as they navigate the bifurcated nature of radiology employment options in Wasilla.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Wasilla in 2026?
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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 Wasilla. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wasilla 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