Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Gurnee, IL: $245,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Gurnee, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $245,258 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gurnee's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,583 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($422,858) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Gurnee presents an appealing opportunity for newly graduated radiologists in 2026, with starting positions reflecting a minimum salary of $245,258. While this entry-level figure may seem low compared to the city median of $422,858, it sets a foundation for considerable growth as new professionals advance in their careers. Over the first few years, earnings can well exceed the initial pay, moving through tiers towards the 25th percentile’s $304,458, and eventually approaching the median in a typical 3-5 year span. Given the expanding healthcare sector in the area and the increasing demand for imaging services, Gurnee can be viewed as a favorable market for new graduates seeking to build their skill sets while enjoying a manageable cost of living index at 97.1.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gurnee
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 Gurnee
Entry-level radiologists in Gurnee, IL typically start between $245,258 and $304,458 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $317,093 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $422,858 — 4.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 138.63% of the starting radiologist pay ($245,258/year) in Gurnee. 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 Gurnee
- 1Research the Gurnee market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $245,258 to $304,458, 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 Gurnee, 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 Gurnee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gurnee'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 Gurnee is $317,093 ( 129.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $245,258, experienced hygienists can earn up to $562,351.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$206,734
2025 BLS Actual
$233,579
2026 Current Est.
$245,258
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Gurnee (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $206,734 | Actual |
| 2022 | $203,558 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,305 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,451 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,579 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $245,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,521 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Gurnee, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $206,734 in 2021 to $233,579 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $257,521. New graduates entering the Gurnee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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 Gurnee
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In Gurnee, several key employers actively seek to hire new grad radiologists, providing distinct career pathways. Academic medical centers in the region offer fellowship opportunities and a diverse range of subspecialties, while large private practices often bring in residency graduates, featuring a 2-3 year trajectory toward partnership. Teleradiology companies also represent a growing sector, appealing to those interested in remote-first lifestyles. New graduates should prioritize gaining ABR board certification and consider pursuing subspecialty fellowships to enhance their resumes and starting salaries. The current market dynamics—characterized by ongoing private equity acquisitions—impact traditional employment models, leading to varying compensation levels and partnership options. Therefore, while initial salaries may appear modest, the trajectory for skilled radiologists in Gurnee remains positive, with substantial income potential as they navigate their early years in the profession.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 Gurnee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gurnee 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