Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Paragould, AR: $217,576 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Paragould, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $217,576 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Paragould's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $250,375 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($375,130) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into radiology in Paragould, Arkansas, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $217,576. Compared to the city median of $375,130, this starting pay indicates a significant gap reflecting the lower earnings typical for entry-level positions in a specialized field like radiology. With a career trajectory projected to help new radiologists move towards $270,094 by the 25th percentile within the first few years, there is ample opportunity for salary growth from entry-level through five years in the field. Given that Paragould's cost of living index is below the national average, this entry-level radiologist salary is reasonably competitive within the region, especially for those fresh from residency looking to establish their careers.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($325,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Paragould
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 Paragould
Entry-level radiologists in Paragould, AR typically start between $217,576 and $270,094 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $311,227 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $375,130 — 15.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Arkansas of $210,000 represents just 96.52% of the starting radiologist pay ($217,576/year) in Paragould. 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 Paragould
- 1Research the Paragould market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $217,576 to $270,094, 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 Paragould, 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 Paragould for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Paragould'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 Paragould is $311,227 ( 143.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $217,576, experienced hygienists can earn up to $528,803.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$183,400
2025 BLS Actual
$207,215
2026 Current Est.
$217,576
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Paragould (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $183,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $180,583 | Actual |
| 2023 | $185,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,017 | Actual |
| 2025 | $207,215 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $217,576 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $228,455 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Paragould, AR grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $183,400 in 2021 to $207,215 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $228,455. New graduates entering the Paragould job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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 Paragould
In Paragould, various employers are actively seeking new graduate radiologists, including local hospitals and potentially larger private partnerships. These institutions typically provide entry points into the field but may vary in their approaches to training and advancement. Gaining crucial credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, obtaining ABR board certification, and possibly pursuing further training in subspecialty fellowships can raise starting salaries. For entry-level radiologists, the first few years often involve aligning with either hospital W-2 employment, conducive for further specialization and average earnings between $400,000 and $550,000, or considering partnerships with private firms that present faster tracks to high earnings as experienced radiologists. Realistically, the anticipated salary growth in those first formative years can be substantial, driven by factors like RVU productivity and the evolving landscape shaped by private equity in the radiology sector.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
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 Paragould. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Paragould 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