Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Long Beach, CA: $298,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Long Beach, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $298,587 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Long Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $264,003 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($514,807) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates embarking on a career as an entry-level radiologist in Long Beach, California, can anticipate a starting salary of around $298,587 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the median annual salary for the city, which is projected at $514,807. Understanding this gap is crucial for new grads, as it highlights the potential for salary growth in the first few years of practice. With diligent career development, these individuals can aim to reach the 25th percentile salary of $370,661 within the first few years, setting a solid foundation ahead of achieving the city's median pay.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Long Beach
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 Long Beach
Entry-level radiologists in Long Beach, CA typically start between $298,587 and $370,661 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $481,514 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $514,807 — 16.5% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 113.87% of the starting radiologist pay ($298,587/year) in Long Beach. 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 Long Beach
- 1Research the Long Beach market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $298,587 to $370,661, 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Long Beach'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 Long Beach is $481,514 ( 161.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $298,587, experienced hygienists can earn up to $780,101.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$251,686
2025 BLS Actual
$284,369
2026 Current Est.
$298,587
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Long Beach (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $251,686 | Actual |
| 2022 | $247,821 | Actual |
| 2023 | $254,817 | Actual |
| 2024 | $310,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $284,369 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $298,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $313,517 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Long Beach, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $251,686 in 2021 to $284,369 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $313,517. New graduates entering the Long Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
In Long Beach, employment opportunities for new grad radiologists are primarily found within academic medical centers, large private partnerships, and teleradiology firms. Academic institutions often offer a breadth of subspecialty training and facilitate fellowship placements, ideal for those looking to specialize. Meanwhile, private practices usually hire directly from residency, with potential career paths leading to partner status over a timescale of 2-3 years. To enhance starting salaries, new graduates should focus on obtaining essential credentials such as ABR board certification and consider pursuing additional fellowship training, which could further elevate their market value. In the context of Long Beach’s market, salary growth in the first few years can be significant, especially as radiology continues to evolve with the recent trend of private equity acquisitions, prompting shifts in partnership structures and compensation models. For new radiologists, understanding the infrastructure of their practice environment and strategically positioning themselves within the evolving landscape can lead to sustainable and rewarding career growth.
More salary data for Long Beach, 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 Long Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Long Beach 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