Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Pasadena, CA: $292,111 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Pasadena, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $292,111 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pasadena's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $258,277 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($503,640) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting pay for entry-level radiologists in Pasadena, California, is projected to be around $292,111 in 2026. While this figure may initially seem modest compared to the overall median annual salary of $503,640 for radiologists in the city, it represents a starting point that can lead to a rewarding career. Over time, new graduates can expect to move towards the P25 mark of $362,621 within their first few years, with opportunities to advance further as they gain experience and refine their skills. Given the competitive market and the significant annual growth rate of 5.00%, Pasadena presents a promising environment for recent graduates seeking a foothold in the field.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pasadena
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 Pasadena
Entry-level radiologists in Pasadena, CA typically start between $292,111 and $362,621 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $443,510 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $503,640 — 13.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 116.39% of the starting radiologist pay ($292,111/year) in Pasadena. 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 Pasadena
- 1Research the Pasadena market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $292,111 to $362,621, 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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Pasadena'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 Pasadena is $443,510 ( 151.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $292,111, experienced hygienists can earn up to $735,621.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$246,227
2025 BLS Actual
$278,201
2026 Current Est.
$292,111
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Pasadena (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $246,227 | Actual |
| 2022 | $242,445 | Actual |
| 2023 | $249,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $297,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $278,201 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $292,111 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $306,717 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pasadena, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $246,227 in 2021 to $278,201 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $306,717. New graduates entering the Pasadena job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Employers in Pasadena that typically hire new grad radiologists include academic medical centers, large private partnerships, and teleradiology firms. Those pursuing a career in this specialty should consider the importance of an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification. Optional fellowships may further enhance starting pay in California. Radiology has bifurcated into different employment structures that impact compensation: private partnerships generally pay between $500,000 and $700,000, hospital W-2 positions average between $400,000 and $550,000, and subspecialty interventional radiology often exceeds $700,000. This environment has shifted since 2018 due to private equity acquisitions of radiology groups, affecting traditional partnership tracks. Realistic salary growth for new graduates over the first few years can be expected as they adapt to the prevailing RVU productivity models and industry expectations in Pasadena.
More salary data for Pasadena, 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 Pasadena. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasadena 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