Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Modesto, CA: $293,978 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Modesto, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $293,978 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Modesto's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $259,927 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($506,859) 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 Modesto, California, can expect a starting salary that ranges from $293,978 to approximately $364,939. For those just launching their careers, the lower end of this spectrum can be quite a stark contrast to the city's median annual salary of $506,859. However, recent trends indicate that early-career radiologists can anticipate salary growth as they gain experience—moving through the $364,939 mark toward the median within their first few years of practice. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Modesto presents a promising market for new grad radiologists looking to establish themselves in a profession where the compensation tends to rise significantly with experience.
About the Modesto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Modesto
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 Modesto
Entry-level radiologists in Modesto, CA typically start between $293,978 and $364,939 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $455,517 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $506,859 — 14.7% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 115.65% of the starting radiologist pay ($293,978/year) in Modesto. 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 Modesto
- 1Research the Modesto market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $293,978 to $364,939, 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Modesto'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 Modesto is $455,517 ( 154.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $293,978, experienced hygienists can earn up to $749,495.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$247,801
2025 BLS Actual
$279,979
2026 Current Est.
$293,978
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Modesto (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $247,801 | Actual |
| 2022 | $243,995 | Actual |
| 2023 | $250,883 | Actual |
| 2024 | $299,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $279,979 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $293,978 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $308,677 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Modesto, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $247,801 in 2021 to $279,979 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $308,677. New graduates entering the Modesto job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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 Modesto
When considering employment opportunities in Modesto, several key employers stand out for new radiologists. Academic medical centers often offer rich fellowship pathways and broad subspecialty exposure, essential for those aspiring to enhance their credentials. Additionally, larger private partnerships can provide residency graduates with a structured path to partnership within a couple of years. On the other hand, teleradiology firms are increasingly appealing to those seeking a remote-first lifestyle, often hiring fellowship-trained radiologists. As entry-level pay in this market is heavily influenced by credentials—specifically, completing an MD or DO program, a diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification—new graduates should focus on solidifying these qualifications early on. Understanding the divide in the field between private partnerships and hospital employment can offer insight into realistic salary growth in the initial years post-residency, with potential earnings often rising significantly above initial starting levels as radiologists progress through their careers.
More salary data for Modesto, 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 Modesto. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Modesto 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