Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Downers Grove, IL: $237,437 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Downers Grove, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $237,437 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Downers Grove's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $244,528 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($409,373) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Downers Grove, Illinois in 2026, the entry level radiologist salary stands at approximately $237,437. This starting figure represents the lower end of the pay spectrum, with the median annual salary in the area being $409,373, illustrating a significant gap that early-career professionals face. Over the first few years, radiologists can expect growth in their salaries, moving from the entry level to potentially reaching the 25th percentile of $294,749 as they gain experience and develop their skills. The overall market conditions in Downers Grove currently favor new graduates, with a 5.00% annual growth rate projected for the field indicating a steady demand for radiological expertise.
About the Downers Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Downers Grove
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 Downers Grove
Entry-level radiologists in Downers Grove, IL typically start between $237,437 and $294,749 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $335,443 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $409,373 — 7.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 143.20% of the starting radiologist pay ($237,437/year) in Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove
- 1Research the Downers Grove market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $237,437 to $294,749, 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 Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Downers Grove'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 Downers Grove is $335,443 ( 141.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $237,437, experienced hygienists can earn up to $572,880.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$200,141
2025 BLS Actual
$226,130
2026 Current Est.
$237,437
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Downers Grove (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $200,141 | Actual |
| 2022 | $197,067 | Actual |
| 2023 | $202,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $209,548 | Actual |
| 2025 | $226,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $237,437 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $249,308 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Downers Grove, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $200,141 in 2021 to $226,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $249,308. New graduates entering the Downers Grove job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove
Employers in Downers Grove that hire newly graduated radiologists include academic medical centers that offer diverse subspecialty options and robust fellowship pipelines. Large private partnerships also hire from residency, typically leading to a 2-3 year path towards partnership, while teleradiology firms provide opportunities for fellowship-trained radiologists looking for remote work. To enhance their starting pay in Illinois, new grads should focus on obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification, with options for additional subspecialty fellowships. Career strategies for the first few years should consider the recent shifts in the radiology field, where private equity acquisitions have impacted traditional partnership paths significantly since 2018. Radiologists can anticipate nurturing their earnings as they progress from initial roles, as transitional experiences often lead to more lucrative positions, especially in private practices or as specialists in interventional radiology.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Downers Grove in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Downers Grove?
Is radiology school worth it in Downers Grove?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Downers Grove?
How do I become a radiologist in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Downers Grove. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Downers Grove 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