Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Parker, CO: $266,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Parker, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $266,758 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Parker's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $254,055 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($459,927) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiology in Parker, Colorado, can expect starting salaries around $266,758, reflecting the initial pay range for entry-level positions. This amount is significantly below the city's overall median salary for radiologists, which sits at $459,927, illustrating a notable gap that newcomers should prepare to navigate in their early careers. However, there is a potential for growth, as early-career professionals can anticipate moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile and approaching the median salary within their first few years of practice, creating a pathway for financial progress. Currently, Parker presents a robust environment for new radiologists, partly due to the area's increasing demand for medical imaging services and competitive compensation reflecting a favorable job outlook.
About the Parker Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Parker
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 Parker
Entry-level radiologists in Parker, CO typically start between $266,758 and $331,148 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $396,259 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $459,927 — 4.08% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 104.96% of the starting radiologist pay ($266,758/year) in Parker. 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 Parker
- 1Research the Parker market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $266,758 to $331,148, 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 Parker, 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 Parker for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Parker'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 Parker is $396,259 ( 148.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $266,758, experienced hygienists can earn up to $663,017.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$224,856
2025 BLS Actual
$254,055
2026 Current Est.
$266,758
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Parker (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $224,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $221,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $227,653 | Actual |
| 2024 | $235,427 | Actual |
| 2025 | $254,055 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $266,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $280,096 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Parker, CO grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $224,856 in 2021 to $254,055 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $280,096. New graduates entering the Parker job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Parker 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 Parker
When considering employment opportunities in Parker, new radiologists have various pathways worth exploring. Academic medical centers often seek entry-level candidates, facilitating exposure to subspecialties and granting fellowship possibilities. Conversely, large private practice groups typically hire directly from residency programs, placing new hires on a partnership track that may span 2-3 years. Teleradiology firms offer another avenue, allowing for remote-first work, often favoring those with fellowship training. To enhance starting pay potential in Colorado, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and board certification by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) are essential. In the first 1-3 years, radiologists in Parker can expect reasonable salary growth driven by demands for both W-2 employment and private partnerships, with many candidates finding stability and support through organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR).
More salary data for Parker, 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 Parker. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Parker 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