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 105.0 — 5% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Centennial
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 $364,795 — 17.45% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $178,347 | Actual |
| 2022 | $175,607 | Actual |
| 2023 | $180,565 | Actual |
| 2024 | $242,083 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $211,581 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $222,160 | Projected |
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 (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial 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 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.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
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 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).
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