Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Marana, AZ: $254,563 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Marana, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $254,563 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marana's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $258,440 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($438,902) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Marana, Arizona, the starting salary can be a motivating factor as they begin their careers. The entry-level radiologist salary Marana is projected at $254,563 in 2026, which is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $438,902. This substantial gap reflects the typical progression in pay as one gains experience. Over the first few years, it is realistic for these fresh graduates to see their earnings rise toward the 25th percentile, where salaries reach approximately $316,009. With a robust projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, those starting out in Marana can look forward to a promising pay trajectory as they become more established in their roles.
About the Marana Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marana
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 Marana
Entry-level radiologists in Marana, AZ typically start between $254,563 and $316,009 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $348,300 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $438,902 — 0.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Arizona of $260,000 represents just 102.14% of the starting radiologist pay ($254,563/year) in Marana. 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 Marana
- 1Research the Marana market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $254,563 to $316,009, 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 AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marana, 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 Marana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marana'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 Marana is $348,300 ( 136.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $254,563, experienced hygienists can earn up to $602,863.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$214,577
2025 BLS Actual
$242,441
2026 Current Est.
$254,563
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Marana (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $214,577 | Actual |
| 2022 | $211,281 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,246 | Actual |
| 2024 | $213,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $242,441 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $254,563 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $267,291 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Marana, AZ grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $214,577 in 2021 to $242,441 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $267,291. New graduates entering the Marana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marana 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 Marana
Within the Marana area, various employers actively hire new grad radiologists, including academic medical centers that provide opportunities for specialization and fellowship training. Large private radiology groups often recruit directly from residency programs, offering a structured path toward partnership, typically taking 2-3 years. For those drawn to flexibility, teleradiology firms cater to recent graduates, especially those with fellowship training. Elevating starting pay in Arizona can be achieved through board certification from the ABR and ongoing education, which is vital in this competitive market. The first few years in radiology present a strategic opportunity: with traditional hospital employment offering average salaries around $400k-$550k, new graduates can gain experience that positions them for higher pay within private partnerships or lucrative subspecialties like interventional radiology. This structured growth approach adds to the appeal of entering the radiology field in Marana, AZ, where salary potential steadily increases with experience.
More salary data for Marana, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Marana 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 Marana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marana 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