Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Waukegan, IL: $249,230 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Waukegan, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $249,230 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waukegan's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $256,674 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($429,707) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, the starting pay for newly graduated radiologists is projected to begin at around $249,230 for 2026. For entry-level professionals entering the field, this figure is significantly lower than the local median salary of $429,707. However, new graduates can expect their earnings to grow steadily, with the potential to reach about $309,389 within the first few years of practice. This trajectory suggests that although the initial salary may seem modest, there is ample room for career advancement and salary increases as experience accumulates. Waukegan, with its relatively affordable cost of living index of 97.1, proves to be a viable market for recent graduates who are weighing their options against the broader state and national scales.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waukegan
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 Waukegan
Entry-level radiologists in Waukegan, IL typically start between $249,230 and $309,389 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $379,092 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $429,707 — 2.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 136.42% of the starting radiologist pay ($249,230/year) in Waukegan. 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 Waukegan
- 1Research the Waukegan market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $249,230 to $309,389, 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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waukegan'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 Waukegan is $379,092 ( 152.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $249,230, experienced hygienists can earn up to $628,322.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$210,082
2025 BLS Actual
$237,362
2026 Current Est.
$249,230
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Waukegan (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $210,082 | Actual |
| 2022 | $206,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $219,957 | Actual |
| 2025 | $237,362 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $249,230 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $261,692 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Waukegan, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $210,082 in 2021 to $237,362 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $261,692. New graduates entering the Waukegan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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 Waukegan
As for employment opportunities in Waukegan, several health systems and practices actively recruit new radiologists. Academic medical centers in the area provide an excellent diversity of cases and can pave the way for fellowship training post-residency. Larger private partnerships typically focus on hiring directly from residency programs, aiming to integrate new graduates into their structures, which typically have a transparent path to partnership within 2-3 years. Moreover, teleradiology firms are increasingly popular, enabling fellowship-trained radiologists to work remotely, offering a flexible lifestyle while also delivering competitive compensation. To enhance starting salaries, candidates should prioritize attaining board certification from the ABR, along with obtaining a DEA registration. In the first three years, radiologists in Waukegan can expect realistic salary growth as they navigate their initial roles, especially in light of how recent private equity trends have reshaped traditional partnership trajectories within the industry.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Waukegan in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Waukegan?
Is radiology school worth it in Waukegan?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Waukegan?
How do I become a radiologist in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Waukegan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukegan 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