Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $240,597 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Des Plaines, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $240,597 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Plaines's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $247,783 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($414,822) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, starting a career as a radiologist in Des Plaines, Illinois, presents new graduates with a projected entry-level salary of around $240,597. This figure sits significantly below the overall median annual salary for radiologists in the area, which is projected to be $414,822. For new graduates, it's essential to understand that while the entry-level salary may seem modest, there's a clear path for growth. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals can expect their salaries to rise, with the 25th percentile salary likely reaching around $298,673 and potentially nearing the median within three to five years. Given the 5.00% growth rate, Des Plaines currently represents a viable market for new radiologists aiming to establish a foothold in their field.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Plaines
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 Des Plaines
Entry-level radiologists in Des Plaines, IL typically start between $240,597 and $298,673 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $336,889 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $414,822 — 6.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 141.32% of the starting radiologist pay ($240,597/year) in Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines
- 1Research the Des Plaines market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $240,597 to $298,673, 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 Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines is $336,889 ( 140.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $240,597, experienced hygienists can earn up to $577,486.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$202,805
2025 BLS Actual
$229,140
2026 Current Est.
$240,597
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Des Plaines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $202,805 | Actual |
| 2022 | $199,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $205,328 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,338 | Actual |
| 2025 | $229,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $240,597 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $252,627 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Plaines, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $202,805 in 2021 to $229,140 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $252,627. New graduates entering the Des Plaines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Employers in Des Plaines that are known to recruit entry-level radiologists include both hospital systems and private practices, alongside burgeoning teleradiology firms that allow for remote work setups. Places like academic medical centers offer deep subspecialty opportunities and paths to fellowship positions, enhancing career prospects. Essential credentials, such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification, play a significant role in determining starting salaries. Furthermore, those pursuing optional 1-2 year subspecialty fellowships can leverage their training for higher initial pay. As the radiology sector evolves, recent graduates should consider the bifurcation in practice settings, recognizing that hospital employment typically leads to salaries in the $400k-$550k range, while private partnerships can offer compensation well into the $500k-$700k bracket. By strategically positioning themselves within this market, new graduates can realistically anticipate gradual salary advancements as they build their expertise and productivity.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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