Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Middletown, DE: $263,054 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Middletown, DE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $263,054 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Middletown's local price level (BEA RPP 101.7 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $258,657 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($453,541) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting as a radiologist in Middletown, Delaware, offers an entry-level salary of around $263,054, making it a promising field for new graduates in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city median of $453,541, it provides a reasonable foundation as you begin your career. Over the first few years, new grads can expect growth in their salaries, potentially reaching $326,550 as they gain experience and build their professional network. Given that the market is projected to experience a 5.00% annual growth rate, this indicates a positive trajectory for new radiologists entering the field, positioning Middletown as a noteworthy location for recent graduates seeking to establish themselves in the medical community.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($365,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Middletown
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 Middletown
Entry-level radiologists in Middletown, DE typically start between $263,054 and $326,550 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $335,908 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $453,541 — 2.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Delaware of $300,000 represents just 114.05% of the starting radiologist pay ($263,054/year) in Middletown. 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 Middletown
- 1Research the Middletown market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $263,054 to $326,550, 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 DE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Middletown, 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 Middletown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Middletown'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 Middletown is $335,908 ( 127.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $263,054, experienced hygienists can earn up to $598,962.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$221,735
2025 BLS Actual
$250,528
2026 Current Est.
$263,054
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Middletown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $221,735 | Actual |
| 2022 | $218,329 | Actual |
| 2023 | $224,493 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,924 | Actual |
| 2025 | $250,528 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $263,054 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $276,207 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Middletown, DE grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $221,735 in 2021 to $250,528 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $276,207. New graduates entering the Middletown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middletown 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 Middletown
Within Middletown, several types of employers actively recruit new grad radiologists, including academic medical centers, large private radiology groups, and teleradiology firms, each providing unique career pathways. Opportunities in academic settings often lead to fellowship positions while private partnerships usually expect 2-3 years of residency experience prior to partnership opportunities. To enhance starting salaries, securing board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and undergoing additional education can make candidates more competitive, especially in a market where the partnership versus W-2 employment distinction has significant implications for future earnings. As a new radiologist, focusing on developing a strong portfolio, networking within the ACR community, and exploring subspecialty fellowships can ensure a swift increase in compensation throughout those crucial first years in the profession, with realistic salary growth likely falling between $326,550 and higher ranges in subsequent positions.
More salary data for Middletown, DE:
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 Middletown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Middletown 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