Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Davis, CA: $280,541 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Davis, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $280,541 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davis's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $248,047 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($483,692) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the radiology field in Davis, California can expect a starting salary of approximately $280,541, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual radiologist salary of $483,692. This initial pay seems modest, but there is a clear growth trajectory as new graduates gain experience. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals can anticipate salary increases, with expectations of reaching around $348,258 at the 25th percentile. This upward movement reflects the demand for radiologists in a city that offers a solid market for recent graduates, although the gap between starting pay and median salary indicates that newcomers should be prepared for gradual advancements rather than immediate financial rewards.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davis
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 Davis
Entry-level radiologists in Davis, CA typically start between $280,541 and $348,258 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $392,279 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $483,692 — 9.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 121.19% of the starting radiologist pay ($280,541/year) in Davis. 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 Davis
- 1Research the Davis market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $280,541 to $348,258, 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 Davis, 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 Davis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Davis'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 Davis is $392,279 ( 139.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $280,541, experienced hygienists can earn up to $672,820.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$236,475
2025 BLS Actual
$267,182
2026 Current Est.
$280,541
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Davis (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $236,475 | Actual |
| 2022 | $232,842 | Actual |
| 2023 | $239,416 | Actual |
| 2024 | $285,681 | Actual |
| 2025 | $267,182 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $280,541 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $294,568 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Davis, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $236,475 in 2021 to $267,182 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $294,568. New graduates entering the Davis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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 Davis
For new grad radiologists, securing employment in Davis involves targeting the right organizations. Academic medical centers are prime employers, typically providing an environment rich in subspecialty offerings and fellowship opportunities, while larger private practices often invite new graduates following residency, setting the stage for a potential 2-3 year timeline toward partnership. Continued education and credentials significantly influence starting salaries; obtaining an MD or DO, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, achieving ABR board certification, and optionally pursuing fellowship training yield better compensation in California's competitive landscape. Furthermore, understanding the employment structures—where partnership models can yield salaries ranging from $500,000 to $700,000, while W-2 hospital positions generally offer $400,000 to $550,000—will guide fresh entrants as they strategize for their careers in radiology. In terms of salary growth, realistic expectations suggest that entry-level radiologists in this market can see considerable increases as they enhance their skill set and contribute to productivity, aligning their compensation trajectory with industry standards.
More salary data for Davis, 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 Davis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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