Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Jacksonville, AR: $221,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Jacksonville, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $221,118 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $254,451 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($381,239) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the evolving job market for new graduate radiologists in Jacksonville, AR, the entry-level radiologist salary stands at approximately $221,118 for 2026. This figure reflects a notable starting point but falls below the city's median salary of $381,239, highlighting a gap that new entrants will need to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years in practice, early-career professionals can expect salaries to incrementally rise, moving toward the P25 level of $274,492 and eventually hitting the median as they develop their skillsets and establish their regional reputation. With a projected growth rate of 5.00%, Jacksonville presents a compelling case for new graduates, balancing competitive entry wages against the potential for accelerated career advancement.
About the Jacksonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($325,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville
Entry-level radiologists in Jacksonville, AR typically start between $221,118 and $274,492 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $304,936 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $381,239 — 13.73% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Arkansas of $210,000 represents just 94.97% of the starting radiologist pay ($221,118/year) in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $221,118 to $274,492, 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 AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville is $304,936 ( 137.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $221,118, experienced hygienists can earn up to $526,054.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$186,386
2025 BLS Actual
$210,589
2026 Current Est.
$221,118
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Jacksonville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $186,386 | Actual |
| 2022 | $183,523 | Actual |
| 2023 | $188,704 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,623 | Actual |
| 2025 | $210,589 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $221,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $232,174 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, AR grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $186,386 in 2021 to $210,589 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $232,174. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
When seeking employment in Jacksonville, recent graduates should consider various employers that actively hire new professionals, including academic medical centers known for robust fellowship pipelines and large private partnerships that often provide structured paths to partnership within a few years. Teleradiology firms are also increasingly prominent, especially for those interested in flexible remote work arrangements. To enhance earning potential, candidates are advised to pursue board certification from the ABR and consider additional fellowships, as these credentials significantly influence salaries over time. Understanding the current shifts toward private partnerships, where earnings can soar between $500,000 and $700,000, versus W-2 hospital employment averaging $400,000 to $550,000, will assist new graduates in navigating their career paths effectively. In the first three years, realistic salary growth expectations may align with local market trends and opportunities for supplemental income through RVU productivity models, allowing for financial progression within this promising field.
More salary data for Jacksonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Jacksonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jacksonville 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