Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lombard, IL: $241,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lombard, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $241,144 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lombard's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $248,346 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($415,765) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lombard, Illinois, new graduates entering the radiology field can expect an entry-level radiologist salary of approximately $241,144 in 2026. This figure, while a solid starting point, represents a notable gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $415,765. Over the first few years in practice, early-career radiologists may see their earnings increase as they gain experience and move toward the 25th percentile mark, which is projected at $299,351. Given that Lombard's market offers a reasonable growth trajectory, it can be seen as a promising area for recent graduates to establish their careers in radiology.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lombard
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 Lombard
Entry-level radiologists in Lombard, IL typically start between $241,144 and $299,351 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $338,359 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $415,765 — 5.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 140.99% of the starting radiologist pay ($241,144/year) in Lombard. 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 Lombard
- 1Research the Lombard market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $241,144 to $299,351, 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 Lombard, 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 Lombard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lombard'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 Lombard is $338,359 ( 140.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $241,144, experienced hygienists can earn up to $579,503.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$203,266
2025 BLS Actual
$229,661
2026 Current Est.
$241,144
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Lombard (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $203,266 | Actual |
| 2022 | $200,144 | Actual |
| 2023 | $205,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,821 | Actual |
| 2025 | $229,661 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $241,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $253,201 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lombard, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $203,266 in 2021 to $229,661 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $253,201. New graduates entering the Lombard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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 Lombard
Several employers in the Lombard area actively seek to hire new graduates, including academic medical centers that provide extensive subspecialty training and fellowship opportunities. Large private practices also commonly recruit radiology residents, allowing them to embark on a path toward partnership within a 2-3 year timeframe. To enhance compensation prospects in Illinois, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, alongside complete residency training and ABR board certification, are essential. First-time radiologists should consider furthering their expertise with fellowships, which can have a significant impact on early income and career growth. While starting salaries can vary, the potential exists for increased earnings of up to $500,172 within three years as the market adjusts to ongoing changes, including shifts toward private partnerships and the evolving dynamics of radiology practices.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 Lombard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lombard 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