Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Decatur, IL: $252,344 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Decatur, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $252,344 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Decatur's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $259,881 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($435,077) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as a radiologist in Decatur, IL, presents a unique opportunity in 2026, with entry-level positions beginning at a salary of $252,344. While this starting pay may seem lower than the city’s median annual salary of $435,077, it is essential for new graduates to set realistic expectations as they commence their careers. Over the first three to five years, salaries tend to rise steadily, eventually reaching the 25th percentile at $313,255, and many can anticipate building their earnings up towards the median figure with experience and additional credentials. Given a projected 5.00% annual growth rate for radiologist salaries, Decatur appears to be a promising job market for new graduates seeking to establish themselves and grow within the field of radiology.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Decatur
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 Decatur
Entry-level radiologists in Decatur, IL typically start between $252,344 and $313,255 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $350,207 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $435,077 — 1.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 134.74% of the starting radiologist pay ($252,344/year) in Decatur. 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 Decatur
- 1Research the Decatur market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $252,344 to $313,255, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Decatur, 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 Decatur for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Decatur'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 Decatur is $350,207 ( 138.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $252,344, experienced hygienists can earn up to $602,551.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$212,707
2025 BLS Actual
$240,328
2026 Current Est.
$252,344
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Decatur (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $212,707 | Actual |
| 2022 | $209,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $215,353 | Actual |
| 2024 | $222,706 | Actual |
| 2025 | $240,328 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $252,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $264,962 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Decatur, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $212,707 in 2021 to $240,328 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $264,962. New graduates entering the Decatur job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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 Decatur
When considering where to begin your career as a new grad radiologist in Decatur, it's important to target the right employers. Academic medical centers often offer a diverse range of subspecialties and fellowship opportunities, which can be critical for enhancing your skill set. Large private partnerships tend to favor hiring from residency programs, offering clear paths to partnership after a few years, while teleradiology firms provide remote employment options for those seeking a flexible lifestyle. Graduates should focus on obtaining essential credentials, including an MD or DO, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification, all of which can significantly influence starting pay in Illinois. Early career strategies should include engaging with the ACR and contemplating further fellowship training, particularly in fields seeing the most lucrative growth, such as interventional radiology. Overall, new radiologists in Decatur can expect meaningful salary progression within their first three years, particularly with the right combination of experience, specialization, and alignment with market trends.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
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 Decatur. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Decatur 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