Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in San Rafael, CA: $294,109 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the San Rafael, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $294,109 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out San Rafael's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $260,043 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($507,085) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, recent graduates entering the radiology field in San Rafael, California can expect a starting salary of around $294,109. This entry-level pay is significantly lower than the city's projected median salary of $507,085, highlighting a substantial gap for new professionals just embarking on their careers. Over the first 3 to 5 years in the field, early career radiologists will likely see salary growth trajectories that could lead them to the 25th percentile earnings of $365,101 and possibly beyond. For new graduates, San Rafael represents a valuable market due to its proximity to a range of healthcare facilities and institutions, making it an appropriate location for those looking to establish themselves in a competitive yet rewarding profession.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in San Rafael
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 San Rafael
Entry-level radiologists in San Rafael, CA typically start between $294,109 and $365,101 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $408,492 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $507,085 — 14.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 115.60% of the starting radiologist pay ($294,109/year) in San Rafael. 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 San Rafael
- 1Research the San Rafael market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $294,109 to $365,101, 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 San Rafael, 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 San Rafael for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in San Rafael'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 San Rafael is $408,492 ( 138.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $294,109, experienced hygienists can earn up to $702,601.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$247,911
2025 BLS Actual
$280,104
2026 Current Est.
$294,109
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in San Rafael (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $247,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $244,104 | Actual |
| 2023 | $250,995 | Actual |
| 2024 | $299,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $280,104 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $294,109 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $308,815 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in San Rafael, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $247,911 in 2021 to $280,104 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $308,815. New graduates entering the San Rafael job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Rafael 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 San Rafael
Radiology positions in San Rafael are typically offered by academic medical centers, large private practices, and teleradiology firms. Academic institutions often provide extensive training opportunities and fellowship pipelines, while private practices generally hire residents directly into partnerships, offering a traditional career track. Teleradiology is also a growing option, attracting those interested in flexible work environments. New grads with an MD or DO, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency and obtaining ABR board certification, set themselves up for higher compensation. Continuing education, especially through subspecialty fellowships, can further enhance earning potential. Career trajectories within the first three years vary considerably depending on employment type: while W-2 hospital positions can pay from approximately $400,000 to $550,000, private practice models often lead to earnings significantly exceeding $500,000. Given the evolving landscape of radiology partnerships, particularly influenced by private equity developments, early-career decisions can have lasting implications on salary growth.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 San Rafael. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for San Rafael 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