Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Urbana, IL: $240,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Urbana, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $240,526 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Urbana's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $247,710 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($414,700) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as a radiologist in Urbana, Illinois, in 2026, the entry-level pay is projected to begin at around $240,526. While this may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $414,700, it outlines a realistic path for new graduates. Over the first three to five years, you can expect to see salary growth—as early career professionals tend to progress from the entry-level threshold toward more competitive figures like the 25th percentile of $298,583. With the city boasting a relatively affordable cost of living index at 97.1, new graduates may find that Urbana, IL, offers a financially viable market for those entering the radiology field, making it an encouraging environment for recent MD or DO graduates.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Urbana
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 Urbana
Entry-level radiologists in Urbana, IL typically start between $240,526 and $298,583 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $335,432 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $414,700 — 6.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 141.36% of the starting radiologist pay ($240,526/year) in Urbana. 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 Urbana
- 1Research the Urbana market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $240,526 to $298,583, 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 Urbana, 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 Urbana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Urbana'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 Urbana is $335,432 ( 139.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $240,526, experienced hygienists can earn up to $575,958.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$202,745
2025 BLS Actual
$229,072
2026 Current Est.
$240,526
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Urbana (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $202,745 | Actual |
| 2022 | $199,631 | Actual |
| 2023 | $205,267 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,275 | Actual |
| 2025 | $229,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $240,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $252,552 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Urbana, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $202,745 in 2021 to $229,072 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $252,552. New graduates entering the Urbana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbana 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 Urbana
Opportunities for new radiologists in Urbana primarily lie with academic medical centers and large private practices that value candidates coming straight from residency. These institutions typically offer fellowship options and career development that can significantly influence earning potential. To enhance your starting radiologist salary in Urbana, obtaining board certification through the American Board of Radiology (ABR), alongside completing a diagnostic radiology residency, is essential. Fellowship training can further boost your qualifications and marketability. Recent changes in private equity acquisitions have also altered the landscape—while partnerships often provide lucrative long-term earnings, hospital-related W-2 employment remains competitive. In this environment, realistic growth expectations in the first few years can lead to salaries approximating $400,000-$550,000 for those in hospital employment, while paths toward private partnerships may yield even higher returns down the line.
More salary data for Urbana, 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 Urbana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Urbana 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