Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Mount Prospect, IL: $248,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Mount Prospect, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $248,757 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mount Prospect's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $256,186 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($428,891) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiology in Mount Prospect, Illinois can expect an entry-level radiologist salary starting around $248,757. This figure is a significant entry point when compared to the median salary for radiologists in the city, which is projected to be $428,891. As new professionals gain experience, their pay is likely to advance steadily, with estimates suggesting a rise to approximately $308,802 after a couple of years, eventually moving closer to the median as they build their practice. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare market and the steady annual growth rate of 5.00%, Mount Prospect presents a viable opportunity for new grad radiologists, particularly for those willing to engage with the local healthcare community.
About the Mount Prospect Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mount Prospect
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 Mount Prospect
Entry-level radiologists in Mount Prospect, IL typically start between $248,757 and $308,802 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $348,384 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $428,891 — 2.94% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 136.68% of the starting radiologist pay ($248,757/year) in Mount Prospect. 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 Mount Prospect
- 1Research the Mount Prospect market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $248,757 to $308,802, 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 Mount Prospect, 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 Mount Prospect for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mount Prospect'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 Mount Prospect is $348,384 ( 140.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $248,757, experienced hygienists can earn up to $597,141.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$209,683
2025 BLS Actual
$236,911
2026 Current Est.
$248,757
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Mount Prospect (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $209,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $206,462 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,291 | Actual |
| 2024 | $219,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $236,911 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $248,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $261,194 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Mount Prospect, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $209,683 in 2021 to $236,911 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $261,194. New graduates entering the Mount Prospect job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Prospect 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 Mount Prospect
Radiology practices in Mount Prospect typically include academic medical centers, large private partnerships, and teleradiology firms, providing a varied approach for new graduates entering the field. These employers often favor candidates with robust credentials such as an MD or DO degree and completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, with a focus on ABR board certification. Early in their careers, new radiologists may consider pursuing additional fellowship training to enhance their starting positions. The evolving structure in the radiology sector shows a clear divide between private practices, which may offer a path to lucrative partnerships, and W-2 employment models in hospitals. Those in their first years can expect realistic salary growth as they become acclimated in the workforce, ultimately aiming for positions that align with their career goals, especially in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive and sophisticated.
More salary data for Mount Prospect, 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 Mount Prospect. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mount Prospect 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