Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Pocatello, ID: $297,387 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Pocatello, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $297,387 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pocatello's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $312,054 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($512,736) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in Pocatello, Idaho, the starting radiologist salary is notably competitive, with initial earnings projected at around $297,387 in 2026. While this figure sits below the overall median salary for radiologists in Pocatello, which is pegged at $512,736, it reflects a promising trajectory for early-career professionals. Those new to the field can realistically expect to progress to the 25th percentile salary of $369,170 within the first few years, setting a course toward the median as they gain experience. Given the city's projected job growth rate in this sector of 5.00%, Pocatello appears to be a favorable market for new graduates ready to establish their careers in radiology.
About the Pocatello Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pocatello
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 Pocatello
Entry-level radiologists in Pocatello, ID typically start between $297,387 and $369,170 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $403,446 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $512,736 — 16.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Idaho of $240,000 represents just 80.70% of the starting radiologist pay ($297,387/year) in Pocatello. 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 Pocatello
- 1Research the Pocatello market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $297,387 to $369,170, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pocatello, 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 Pocatello for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pocatello'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 Pocatello is $403,446 ( 135.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $297,387, experienced hygienists can earn up to $700,833.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$250,675
2025 BLS Actual
$283,226
2026 Current Est.
$297,387
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Pocatello (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $250,675 | Actual |
| 2022 | $246,824 | Actual |
| 2023 | $253,793 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $283,226 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $297,387 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $312,257 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pocatello, ID grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $250,675 in 2021 to $283,226 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $312,257. New graduates entering the Pocatello job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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 Pocatello
In Pocatello, those hiring new radiology graduates include a mix of academic medical centers, which often provide extensive fellowship pipelines, and large private partnerships that typically recruit directly from residency programs. This means that new radiologists may find opportunities that lead to partnerships within 2-3 years. Organizations increasingly value credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and board certification via the ABR. A strategic approach would entail considering the potential career paths available in private partnerships, which generally offer higher long-term earnings compared to hospital W-2 positions. Realistically, entry-level salaries can grow significantly during the first three years, particularly for new grads who actively seek out teleradiology work or invest in subspecialty fellowships to enhance their credentials.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
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 Pocatello. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pocatello 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