Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Groton, CT: $268,072 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Groton, CT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $268,072 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Groton's local price level (BEA RPP 107.9 — 8% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $248,445 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($462,194) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates stepping into the field of radiology in Groton, Connecticut, starting salaries are projected to be approximately $268,072. While this initial compensation may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $462,194, it provides a clear pathway for growth as early-career radiologists gain experience and expertise. Within the first three to five years, the trajectory typically allows for increases, with salaries potentially advancing towards the 25th percentile benchmark of $332,780. Given that Groton is experiencing a steady demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in radiology, this market can offer promising opportunities for fresh graduates in 2026, especially alongside a consistent 5.00% annual growth rate.
About the Groton Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($395,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Groton
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 Groton
Entry-level radiologists in Groton, CT typically start between $268,072 and $332,780 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $375,355 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $462,194 — 4.59% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Connecticut of $360,000 represents just 134.29% of the starting radiologist pay ($268,072/year) in Groton. 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 Groton
- 1Research the Groton market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $268,072 to $332,780, 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 CT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Groton, 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 Groton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Groton'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 Groton is $375,355 ( 140.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $268,072, experienced hygienists can earn up to $643,427.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$225,964
2025 BLS Actual
$255,307
2026 Current Est.
$268,072
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Groton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $225,964 | Actual |
| 2022 | $222,494 | Actual |
| 2023 | $228,775 | Actual |
| 2024 | $239,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $255,307 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $268,072 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $281,476 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Groton, CT grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $225,964 in 2021 to $255,307 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $281,476. New graduates entering the Groton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Groton 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 Groton
In Groton, several employers are actively seeking newly minted radiologists, including larger healthcare systems and teleradiology firms, which may offer unique career opportunities. Academic medical centers often provide a broad spectrum of subspecialty training and fellowship opportunities, while substantial private practices may recruit candidates directly out of residency, presenting a clear partnership trajectory. To enhance entry-level pay, obtaining credentials beyond the MD or DO, such as achieving ABR board certification and considering fellowship training, can be beneficial. The first few years in radiology are crucial as professionals navigate different employment models: entering a W-2 hospital position typically pays between $400,000 and $550,000, while private practice paths often yield higher earnings. Radiologists committed to building a solid career foundation should strategically align with organizations connected to ACR guidelines and keep an eye on the evolving dynamics of private equity within the field, especially since partnership opportunities have shifted significantly since 2018.
More salary data for Groton, CT:
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 Groton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Groton 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