Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Erie, CO: $266,277 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Erie, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $266,277 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Erie's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $253,597 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($459,098) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the radiology field in Erie, Colorado, expectations for starting pay in 2026 are vital to understand. New graduates can anticipate an entry-level radiologist salary of around $266,277, indicating a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $459,098. Over the initial years, entry-level positions can see growth as they progress from the P10 benchmark to the P25 figure of $330,551, offering promising opportunities as experience builds. Given Erie’s emerging healthcare market and relatively favorable salary trajectory, it is a commendable city for new grads looking to establish their careers.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Erie
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 Erie
Entry-level radiologists in Erie, CO typically start between $266,277 and $330,551 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $347,902 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $459,098 — 3.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 105.15% of the starting radiologist pay ($266,277/year) in Erie. 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 Erie
- 1Research the Erie market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $266,277 to $330,551, 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 Erie, 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 Erie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Erie'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 Erie is $347,902 ( 130.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $266,277, experienced hygienists can earn up to $614,179.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$224,451
2025 BLS Actual
$253,597
2026 Current Est.
$266,277
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Erie (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $224,451 | Actual |
| 2022 | $221,003 | Actual |
| 2023 | $227,243 | Actual |
| 2024 | $235,001 | Actual |
| 2025 | $253,597 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $266,277 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $279,591 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Erie, CO grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $224,451 in 2021 to $253,597 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $279,591. New graduates entering the Erie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie 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 Erie
Hunting for employment as a new grad radiologist in Erie involves recognizing which employers actively hire early-career professionals. Local academic medical centers often provide robust fellowship pipelines and a diverse range of subspecialty opportunities. On the other hand, large private partnerships typically recruit residents with expectations for 2-3 years before potential partnership, whereas teleradiology companies are keen on fellowship-trained radiologists for remote positions. Pursuing an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, obtaining ABR board certification, and considering 1-2 year subspecialty fellowships can enhance earning potential in Colorado. Strategies for the first few years should focus on building RVU productivity and understanding the differences between private partnership paths and hospital W-2 roles, given the recent shifts in radiology group ownership and compensation models. Realistically, new radiologists can expect steady salary growth as they become established in the Erie market, reflecting broader trends within the profession.
More salary data for Erie, 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 Erie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Erie 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