Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Pueblo, CO: $270,603 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Pueblo, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $270,603 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pueblo's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $257,717 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($466,557) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates looking to establish their careers as radiologists in Pueblo, Colorado, should expect a starting salary around $270,603. While this figure reflects the entry-level market, it also highlights a significant gap compared to the overall median annual salary for radiologists in the city, which stands at $466,557. Early-career professionals can anticipate gradual salary progression as they gain experience, with potential earnings increasing to around $335,921 within their first few years. This upward trajectory positions Pueblo as an attractive market for new graduates, especially considering the competitive pay levels against the national median of $441,903.
About the Pueblo Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pueblo
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 Pueblo
Entry-level radiologists in Pueblo, CO typically start between $270,603 and $335,921 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $408,798 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $466,557 — 5.58% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 103.47% of the starting radiologist pay ($270,603/year) in Pueblo. 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 Pueblo
- 1Research the Pueblo market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $270,603 to $335,921, 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 Pueblo, 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 Pueblo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pueblo'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 Pueblo is $408,798 ( 151.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $270,603, experienced hygienists can earn up to $679,401.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$228,097
2025 BLS Actual
$257,717
2026 Current Est.
$270,603
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Pueblo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $228,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $224,594 | Actual |
| 2023 | $230,935 | Actual |
| 2024 | $238,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $257,717 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $270,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $284,133 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pueblo, CO grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $228,097 in 2021 to $257,717 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $284,133. New graduates entering the Pueblo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo 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 Pueblo
Employers in Pueblo, including academic medical centers, large private groups, and teleradiology firms, frequently hire recent graduates, creating various pathways for career development. Engaging in continuing education and obtaining credentials such as ABR board certification can significantly influence starting pay. For radiologists in their early careers, the strategic decision between joining a private partnership—a model that could yield higher earnings in the long run—or a hospital W-2 employment structure provides important consideration points. Additionally, understanding the prevailing trends, including the impact of private equity acquisitions on partnership tracks since 2018, can prepare new graduates to navigate the evolving dynamics of the field effectively. With a realistic expectation of career salary growth in the first few years, new grads should take advantage of Colorado's unique opportunities to set their professional trajectories.
More salary data for Pueblo, 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 Pueblo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pueblo 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