Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Evanston, IL: $247,477 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Evanston, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $247,477 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evanston's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $254,868 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($426,683) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the radiology field can be financially rewarding, especially in 2026. New graduates in Evanston, Illinois, can expect to start with a salary around $247,477, which establishes a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $426,683. Over the first few years, early-career radiologists can see their earnings grow, as they typically advance from the entry-level pay through the 25th percentile ($307,212) and ultimately towards the median. With the projected growth rate in the industry set at 5.00% annually, Evanston seems to provide a supportive market for new radiologists to launch their careers and build their professional experience.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evanston
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 Evanston
Entry-level radiologists in Evanston, IL typically start between $247,477 and $307,212 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $369,255 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $426,683 — 3.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 137.39% of the starting radiologist pay ($247,477/year) in Evanston. 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 Evanston
- 1Research the Evanston market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $247,477 to $307,212, 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 Evanston, 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 Evanston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evanston'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 Evanston is $369,255 ( 149.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $247,477, experienced hygienists can earn up to $616,732.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$208,604
2025 BLS Actual
$235,692
2026 Current Est.
$247,477
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Evanston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $208,604 | Actual |
| 2022 | $205,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $211,199 | Actual |
| 2024 | $218,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $235,692 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $247,477 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $259,850 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Evanston, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $208,604 in 2021 to $235,692 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $259,850. New graduates entering the Evanston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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 Evanston
In Evanston, various healthcare providers hire fresh graduates, including prominent academic medical centers and large private partnerships. Academic institutions typically offer diverse subspecialty training and comfortable pathways into fellowship programs, enabling graduates to enhance their expertise while establishing valuable professional networks. On the other hand, large private partnerships value incoming radiologists from residency, providing structured career trajectories that can lead to partnership roles within a few years. Meanwhile, teleradiology firms have gained popularity by offering remote-first lifestyles for fellowship-trained radiologists. For those aiming to maximize starting income in Illinois, obtaining a diagnostic radiology residency followed by ABR board certification is essential, while optional fellowships can further enhance earning potential. Given the ongoing changes within radiology—marked by a clear divide between W-2 hospital employment and private practice—the first few years will necessitate a strategic approach, aligning aspirations with the evolving partnership models, particularly as private equity shapes the industry standards.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Evanston in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Evanston?
Is radiology school worth it in Evanston?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Evanston?
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 Evanston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evanston 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