Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Brentwood, CA: $289,151 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Brentwood, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $289,151 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brentwood's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $255,660 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($498,536) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiology in Brentwood, California, can expect a starting salary around $289,151, a figure that gives a glimpse into the lower end of the spectrum in this lucrative profession. While this amount is substantially lower than the median annual salary of $498,536 for all radiologists in the area, it does offer a realistic starting point for those just beginning their careers. New radiologists can anticipate growth in their earnings as they gain experience, moving from the $289,151 starting range to about $358,946 at the 25th percentile and eventually aligning closer to the median as they advance over the first 3 to 5 years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Brentwood remains a promising market for new grads, especially considering the favorable demand for radiology services in the region.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brentwood
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 Brentwood
Entry-level radiologists in Brentwood, CA typically start between $289,151 and $358,946 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $435,825 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $498,536 — 12.82% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 117.59% of the starting radiologist pay ($289,151/year) in Brentwood. 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 Brentwood
- 1Research the Brentwood market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $289,151 to $358,946, 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 CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Brentwood's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Brentwood is $435,825 ( 150.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $289,151, experienced hygienists can earn up to $724,976.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$243,732
2025 BLS Actual
$275,382
2026 Current Est.
$289,151
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Brentwood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $243,732 | Actual |
| 2022 | $239,989 | Actual |
| 2023 | $246,764 | Actual |
| 2024 | $294,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $275,382 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $289,151 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $303,609 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Brentwood, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $243,732 in 2021 to $275,382 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $303,609. New graduates entering the Brentwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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 Brentwood
As professionals embark on their careers, securing positions with employers in Brentwood is crucial for maximizing starting pay. Local academic medical centers often hire entry-level radiologists, offering extensive subspecialty training and fellowship pathways, which can significantly bolster one's credentials and salary. In contrast, large private partnerships typically employ new graduates coming straight from residency, providing a structured avenue toward partnership status over 2-3 years. There are also opportunities in teleradiology firms, which allow for a more flexible remote-first lifestyle, appealing to many new doctors. Achieving ABR board certification and considering additional fellowship training can further enhance earning potential in California. Within the first few years of their careers, radiologists can experience realistic salary growth through various employment structures, whether they opt for W-2 hospital roles, often yielding $400,000 to $550,000, or pursue private partnerships where earnings can trend towards the higher end of the spectrum, between $500,000 and $700,000.
More salary data for Brentwood, CA:
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 Brentwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood 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