Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Kennesaw, GA: $252,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Kennesaw, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $252,616 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennesaw's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $271,338 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($435,546) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Kennesaw, Georgia, the projected starting radiologist salary in 2026 is expected to begin at around $252,616. While this figure represents a significant entry-point, it is also markedly lower than the median annual salary of $435,546 for radiologists in Kennesaw. Over the first several years in the profession, there is a realistic growth trajectory; early-career radiologists can expect to reach approximately $313,593 by the time they hit the 25th percentile, illustrating a promising path to greater earning potential. Given the current job market and the projected 5.00% growth rate for this field, Kennesaw offers a relatively favorable environment for new grads, especially as they can leverage local employment opportunities in both health systems and private practices.
About the Kennesaw Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennesaw
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 Kennesaw
Entry-level radiologists in Kennesaw, GA typically start between $252,616 and $313,593 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $342,020 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $435,546 — 1.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Georgia of $250,000 represents just 98.96% of the starting radiologist pay ($252,616/year) in Kennesaw. 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 Kennesaw
- 1Research the Kennesaw market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $252,616 to $313,593, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennesaw's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Kennesaw is $342,020 ( 135.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $252,616, experienced hygienists can earn up to $594,636.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$212,936
2025 BLS Actual
$240,587
2026 Current Est.
$252,616
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Kennesaw (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $212,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $209,666 | Actual |
| 2023 | $215,585 | Actual |
| 2024 | $185,582 | Actual |
| 2025 | $240,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $252,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $265,247 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kennesaw, GA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $212,936 in 2021 to $240,587 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $265,247. New graduates entering the Kennesaw job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw
When considering employment opportunities, new grad radiologists in Kennesaw may find work with various types of employers that cater specifically to their entry-level experience. Large private partnerships and academic medical centers are known to hire new graduates, providing them with essential training and higher-level mentorship. Especially in recent years, teleradiology firms have emerged as attractive options, offering fellowship-trained positions with remote working arrangements. Credentials play a significant role in starting salaries as well; obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, earning ABR board certification, and, if applicable, pursuing subspecialty fellowships can boost initial pay. Radiology's current landscape indicates divergent paths; new doctors need to understand the differences between hospital employment (often yielding salaries around $400k-$550k) and the lucrative potential of private practice where compensation can reach $500k-$700k. Realistically, early career radiologists in this market can anticipate incremental salary increases over their initial years, fostering a sense of optimism and stability amid a shifting industry.
More salary data for Kennesaw, GA:
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 Kennesaw. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kennesaw 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