Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Daytona Beach, FL: $251,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Daytona Beach, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $251,402 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daytona Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $249,407 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($433,452) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the radiology field in Daytona Beach can expect a starting salary around $251,402 in 2026, which reflects the lower end of the pay spectrum for this profession. This figure is notably below the city’s median annual salary for radiologists, which is projected to be $433,452, creating a gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate. Over the initial years, it’s realistic for new grads to see their earnings rise as they move toward the 25th percentile at $312,085, thanks to acquiring practical experience and possibly new certifications. The market in Daytona Beach is currently favorable for fresh graduates, especially considering the anticipated 5.00% growth rate, making this an attractive entry point for those starting their radiology careers in FL.
About the Daytona Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Daytona Beach
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 Daytona Beach
Entry-level radiologists in Daytona Beach, FL typically start between $251,402 and $312,085 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $371,992 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $433,452 — 1.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Florida of $260,000 represents just 103.42% of the starting radiologist pay ($251,402/year) in Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach
- 1Research the Daytona Beach market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $251,402 to $312,085, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Daytona Beach, 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 Daytona Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Daytona Beach'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 Daytona Beach is $371,992 ( 147.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $251,402, experienced hygienists can earn up to $623,394.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$211,912
2025 BLS Actual
$239,430
2026 Current Est.
$251,402
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Daytona Beach (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $211,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $208,657 | Actual |
| 2023 | $214,548 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,185 | Actual |
| 2025 | $239,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $251,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $263,972 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Daytona Beach, FL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $211,912 in 2021 to $239,430 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $263,972. New graduates entering the Daytona Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach
In Daytona Beach, several healthcare organizations actively hire new graduates, including academic medical centers and private practices. While large partnerships often prefer to onboard residents who show potential for long-term excellence, teleradiology firms have become an appealing option for those seeking a work-life balance and competitive compensation without geographical constraints. To enhance starting radiologist pay in Florida, credentials such as an MD or DO degree and completion of a diagnostic radiology residency are essential, alongside obtaining ABR board certification. Many new radiologists may also consider pursuing fellowship training, which, although optional, can significantly improve career prospects and income potential. Over the first two to three years in the profession, realistic salary growth typically aligns with the bifurcation in radiology practices—whereas private partnerships might yield higher returns later on, hospital employment often provides stability that can also support future financial growth through RVU productivity models.
More salary data for Daytona Beach, FL:
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 Daytona Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daytona Beach 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