Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Woodland, CA: $293,604 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Woodland, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $293,604 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woodland's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $259,597 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($506,214) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, those embarking on a career as a radiologist in Woodland, California can expect an entry-level salary starting around $293,604. While this figure may appear modest compared to the median annual salary of $506,214 for radiologists in the city, it offers a foothold into a field marked by potential growth. New graduates can realistically aim for an increase over the first few years as they gain experience, moving towards the $364,474 mark at the 25th percentile. The medical community in Woodland presents a supportive environment for newcomers, with hospitals and private practices actively seeking to fill radiology positions, making it a favorable market for aspiring radiologists at the outset of their careers.
About the Woodland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woodland
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 Woodland
Entry-level radiologists in Woodland, CA typically start between $293,604 and $364,474 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $424,801 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $506,214 — 14.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 115.80% of the starting radiologist pay ($293,604/year) in Woodland. 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 Woodland
- 1Research the Woodland market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $293,604 to $364,474, 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 Woodland, 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 Woodland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Woodland'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 Woodland is $424,801 ( 144.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $293,604, experienced hygienists can earn up to $718,405.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$247,486
2025 BLS Actual
$279,623
2026 Current Est.
$293,604
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Woodland (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $247,486 | Actual |
| 2022 | $243,684 | Actual |
| 2023 | $250,564 | Actual |
| 2024 | $298,984 | Actual |
| 2025 | $279,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $293,604 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $308,284 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Woodland, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $247,486 in 2021 to $279,623 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $308,284. New graduates entering the Woodland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodland 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 Woodland
Firms in Woodland hiring new radiologists include both academic medical centers and large private partnerships, providing varied career paths for early-career professionals. While working at a large private partnership might typically lead to partnership opportunities after 2-3 years, academic centers often focus on fellowship pipelines that offer a breadth of subspecialty training. Aspiring radiologists should prioritize earning their MD or DO degrees, completing their diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification. In the first three years of their careers, many can expect salary growth driven by the shifting dynamics between hospital W-2 employment and private practice models, particularly given the recent trends in private equity acquisitions which have reshaped partnership tracks. For those considering the new grad radiologist pay in CA, projections indicate that entry-level salaries in Woodland can progressively improve, enhancing opportunities as they establish their expertise in this vital field.
More salary data for Woodland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Woodland in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Woodland?
Is radiology school worth it in Woodland?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Woodland?
How do I become a radiologist in California?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Woodland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodland 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