Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Moline, IL: $245,682 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $245,682 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $253,020 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($423,590) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the entry-level radiologist salary in Moline, Illinois, starts at approximately $245,682, providing a realistic entry-point for new graduates entering this competitive field. When compared to the city's median salary of $423,590, it’s evident there is a significant gap that highlights the growth trajectory available to early-career radiologists. As professionals progress from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile earning roughly $304,985, they can expect to reach the median salary within the first three to five years, assuming they select opportunities that nurture their development. For recent graduates looking to establish their careers, Moline presents a robust market, capitalizing on a cost of living index that remains slightly below the national average, which can allow for a relatively comfortable lifestyle on an entry-level salary.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
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 Moline
Entry-level radiologists in Moline, IL typically start between $245,682 and $304,985 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $319,088 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $423,590 — 4.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 138.39% of the starting radiologist pay ($245,682/year) in Moline. 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 Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $245,682 to $304,985, 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 Moline, 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 Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline'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 Moline is $319,088 ( 129.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $245,682, experienced hygienists can earn up to $564,770.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$207,091
2025 BLS Actual
$233,983
2026 Current Est.
$245,682
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Moline (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $207,091 | Actual |
| 2022 | $203,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,667 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,826 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $245,682 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,966 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $207,091 in 2021 to $233,983 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $257,966. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
In this evolving job market, several key employers in Moline seek to recruit new radiology graduates. Academic medical centers typically provide a breadth of subspecialty options and fellowship pipelines, while large private practices often hire from residency programs and offer a structured path to partnership within a few years. For those considering a remote-first lifestyle, teleradiology firms require board-certified radiologists and sometimes fellowship training. Graduates can enhance their earnings through credentials like board certification from the ABR and additional subspecialty fellowships. During the first three years, typical growth in salary can be anticipated as early-career professionals immerse themselves in productivity models and build relationships within the field. Understanding the ongoing shifts in compensation structures, driven by private equity investments and changing residency-to-partnership tracks, will be essential for navigating early career decisions, as access to valuable mentorship and continuing education can significantly impact the trajectory of their new grad radiologist pay in IL.
More salary data for Moline, 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 Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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