Radiologist Pay

Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Centennial, CO: $211,581 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Centennial, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $211,581 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Centennial's local price level (BEA RPP 105.05% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $201,506 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($364,795) within a few years of clinical practice.

$211,581
Starting Salary
$101.72/hr
Starting Hourly
$211,581
Entry Level
$364,795
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologist Entry Level Salary in Centennial, CO — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Centennial, CO radiologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those entering the field of radiology in Centennial, Colorado, the starting pay can be quite promising yet varies significantly based on experience and the type of employer. In 2026, entry-level radiologists can expect to earn around $211,581, which is a notable gap when compared to the city's median salary of $364,795. Within the first few years of practice, new graduates can realistically anticipate a gradual increase as they move from this initial salary toward the 25th percentile at $262,652, and eventually closer to the median as they accrue experience and skills. Considering the projected growth rate of 5.00% annually, Centennial presents a good market for new graduates, offering solid opportunities for both professional development and financial growth in a field that continues to be in demand due to advancements in medical imaging and patient care.

About the Centennial Market

Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Centennial

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$211,581/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$262,652/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$364,795/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$432,444/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Centennial

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologists in Centennial. The median salary is $364,795, compared to the national median of $441,903.$190.4K$285.2K$379.9K$474.7K$569.4K$211.6K10th Pctl$262.7K25th Pctl$364.8KMedian$432.4K75th Pctl$542.3K90th PctlUS Median$441.9K

Entry-level radiologists in Centennial, CO typically start between $211,581 and $262,652 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $330,708 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $364,79517.45% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologist pay in the Centennial metro area.

Return on Investment

$280,000
Avg CO Program Cost
$211,581
Starting Salary
132.34%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.3 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 132.34% of the starting radiologist pay ($211,581/year) in Centennial. 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 Centennial

  • 1Research the Centennial market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $211,581 to $262,652, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Centennial, 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 Centennial for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Centennial's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Radiologist Compensation Range

The radiologist wage spread in Centennial is $330,708 ( 156.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $211,581, experienced hygienists can earn up to $542,289.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$178,347

2025 BLS Actual

$201,506

2026 Current Est.

$211,581

2021–2027 Growth

+24.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Centennial (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologists in Centennial. Baseline $178,347 in 2025, projected to $222,160 by 2027.$162.3K$185.6K$208.8K$232.1K$255.4K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$178.3K$175.6K$180.6K$242.1K$201.5K$211.6K$222.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$178,347Actual
2022$175,607Actual
2023$180,565Actual
2024$242,083Actual
2025$201,506Actual
2026(current)$211,581Estimated
2027$222,160Projected

Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Centennial, CO grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $178,347 in 2021 to $201,506 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $222,160. New graduates entering the Centennial job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Centennial

Employers in Centennial that typically hire new graduate radiologists include academic medical centers, large private partnerships, and teleradiology firms. Academic centers offer exposure to a wide array of subspecialties and opportunities for fellowship training, while large private practices often prefer candidates who have completed a residency and may have pathways established for partnership, which can be lucrative in the long run. Credentials play a crucial role in enhancing starting pay in Colorado, as possessing an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification are generally required. Additionally, for those considering future subspecialties or teleradiology roles, pursuing further fellowships could yield greater financial rewards. In the initial years of practice, many rad graduates might see their salaries climb steadily as they become integrated into their respective practices and navigate the evolving employment landscape shaped by private equity acquisitions and changing models of practice within the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologists in Centennial in 2026?

Entry-level radiologists in Centennial start at approximately $211,581/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.00% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $101.72/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Centennial?

Most radiologists in Centennial progress from the entry-level salary of $211,581 to the area median of $364,795 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $542,289 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiology school worth it in Centennial?

With a starting salary of $211,581/year in Centennial and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologists make right out of school in Centennial?

New radiology graduates in Centennial typically start near the 10th percentile at $211,581/year, or approximately $101.72/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologist in Colorado?

To become a licensed radiologist in Colorado, you typically need md or do degree (4 years), 1-year internship, 4-year diagnostic radiology residency (acgme-accredited), american board of radiology (abr) board certification. optional 1-2 year subspecialty fellowships in interventional radiology, neuroradiology, breast imaging, body imaging, musculoskeletal, pediatric, or nuclear medicine., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Colorado, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Colorado

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Lisa Gonzalez, MD

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 Centennial. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Centennial is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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