Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lynwood, CA: $279,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lynwood, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $279,806 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lynwood's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $247,397 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($482,425) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in Lynwood, California, the starting salary can be a significant consideration. Anticipated entry-level positions are expected to offer around $279,806 annually, which is notably below the city’s median radiologist salary of $482,425. This amount illustrates the initial gap that many new MDs or DOs will encounter as they embark on their careers. However, as early-career radiologists gain experience, they can improve their earning potential, with expected growth as they move from the 10th percentile pay to the 25th percentile, where the salary jumps to approximately $347,345. Given the projected growth rate of 5.00% annually, Lynwood presents a reasonably favorable environment for fresh graduates looking to establish their careers, as the demand for radiologists continues to grow.
About the Lynwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lynwood
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 Lynwood
Entry-level radiologists in Lynwood, CA typically start between $279,806 and $347,345 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $390,325 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $482,425 — 9.17% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 121.51% of the starting radiologist pay ($279,806/year) in Lynwood. 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 Lynwood
- 1Research the Lynwood market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $279,806 to $347,345, 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 Lynwood, 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 Lynwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Lynwood'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 Lynwood is $390,325 ( 139.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $279,806, experienced hygienists can earn up to $670,131.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$235,855
2025 BLS Actual
$266,482
2026 Current Est.
$279,806
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Lynwood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $235,855 | Actual |
| 2022 | $232,232 | Actual |
| 2023 | $238,789 | Actual |
| 2024 | $284,933 | Actual |
| 2025 | $266,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $279,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $293,796 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lynwood, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $235,855 in 2021 to $266,482 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $293,796. New graduates entering the Lynwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynwood 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 Lynwood
Employers in Lynwood that are open to hiring new radiology graduates include academic medical centers, which often provide comprehensive fellowship programs and subspecialty exposure, as well as large private practice partnerships that may hire residents nearing completion of their training. Notably, teleradiology firms are also a viable option, allowing for remote-first lifestyles. To enhance starting pay in this competitive market, prospective radiologists should focus on earning their MD or DO degrees, completing the required diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification. Early-career strategies should concentrate on understanding the dynamics between private partnerships and hospital W-2 employment, which have shifted particularly since 2018, with private equity influences redefining paths to partnership. Realistic salary growth in the first three years can vary, but aligning with practices offering robust RVU productivity models and exploring fellowship opportunities could pave the way for improved financial outcomes down the line.
More salary data for Lynwood, 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 Lynwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lynwood 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