Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Yuma, AZ: $254,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Yuma, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $254,384 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Yuma's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $258,258 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($438,592) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the field of radiology as a new graduate in Yuma, AZ can be promising, with the anticipated starting radiologist salary projected to be around $254,384 in 2026. While this figure is considerably lower than the city’s median salary of $438,592, aspiring radiologists can expect growth potential in their earnings as they progress in their careers. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals can look forward to moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $315,786, eventually aiming for the median as they gain experience and build a reputation in the local healthcare community. With a competitive growth rate of 5.00% annually, Yuma serves as a viable market for new graduates to begin their careers, especially considering the area’s cost of living index of 98.5, which is below the national average.
About the Yuma Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Yuma
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 Yuma
Entry-level radiologists in Yuma, AZ typically start between $254,384 and $315,786 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $348,545 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $438,592 — 0.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Arizona of $260,000 represents just 102.21% of the starting radiologist pay ($254,384/year) in Yuma. 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 Yuma
- 1Research the Yuma market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $254,384 to $315,786, 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 Yuma, 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 Yuma for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Yuma'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 Yuma is $348,545 ( 137.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $254,384, experienced hygienists can earn up to $602,929.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$214,426
2025 BLS Actual
$242,270
2026 Current Est.
$254,384
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Yuma (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $214,426 | Actual |
| 2022 | $211,132 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,992 | Actual |
| 2025 | $242,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $254,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $267,103 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Yuma, AZ grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $214,426 in 2021 to $242,270 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $267,103. New graduates entering the Yuma job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yuma 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 Yuma
In Yuma, employers range from academic medical centers to large private practices, providing pathways for new graduates to secure their first positions. Academic settings often allow for extensive subspecialty exposure and the opportunity to engage in fellowship pipelines, while larger private partnerships are known to hire directly from residency programs, with the prospect of a partnership track developing over a few years. Continued professional development, including obtaining the ABR board certification and possibly pursuing optional subspecialty fellowships, can significantly enhance a physician's initial earning power. As the market has shifted, differing compensation structures such as W-2 hospital employment versus partnership in private practices have emerged, with varying rates from $400k to upwards of $700k for more advanced roles. Therefore, entry-level radiologists in Yuma should strategically plan their first few years by focusing on credentials and networking, which can yield realistic salary growth opportunities reflective of their clear paths to advancement within the dynamic landscape of radiology.
More salary data for Yuma, AZ:
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 Yuma. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Yuma 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