Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Kokomo, IN: $263,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Kokomo, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $263,312 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kokomo's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $288,403 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($453,985) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Kokomo, Indiana, the starting salary expectations can be quite promising. The projected entry-level radiologist salary in Kokomo for 2026 starts at approximately $263,312, which is significantly lower than the median salary for the area, set at $453,985. However, many new professionals can anticipate growth in their salaries as they gain experience—rising toward $326,869 within the first few years and potentially reaching the median within three to five years. Given this trajectory, Kokomo appears to be a favorable market for new graduates, allowing for a reasonable pathway to attaining higher earnings amidst a growing demand for radiology services.
About the Kokomo Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kokomo
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 Kokomo
Entry-level radiologists in Kokomo, IN typically start between $263,312 and $326,869 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $384,166 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $453,985 — 2.73% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Indiana of $260,000 represents just 98.74% of the starting radiologist pay ($263,312/year) in Kokomo. 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 Kokomo
- 1Research the Kokomo market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $263,312 to $326,869, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kokomo, 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 Kokomo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kokomo's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Kokomo is $384,166 ( 145.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $263,312, experienced hygienists can earn up to $647,478.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$221,951
2025 BLS Actual
$250,773
2026 Current Est.
$263,312
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Kokomo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $221,951 | Actual |
| 2022 | $218,542 | Actual |
| 2023 | $224,712 | Actual |
| 2024 | $192,969 | Actual |
| 2025 | $250,773 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $263,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $276,477 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kokomo, IN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $221,951 in 2021 to $250,773 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $276,477. New graduates entering the Kokomo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kokomo 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 Kokomo
In Kokomo, several key employers actively hire new graduation radiologists, which can positively influence career trajectories and starting salaries. Academic medical centers in the area provide avenues for subspecialty training and fellowship opportunities, which are vital for those looking to advance quickly. Large private partnerships tend to recruit directly from residency programs and can offer a pathway to partnership over 2-3 years, while teleradiology firms welcome fellowship-trained radiologists looking for remote-first lifestyles. Credentials significantly impact starting compensation in Indiana; obtaining an MD or DO, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and pursuing optional subspecialty fellowships can enhance earning potential. First-year salaries can vary widely, but a realistic expectation for early-career professionals in Kokomo is a steady climb as they navigate the bifurcated system of hospital employment versus private partnership roles in the evolving landscape of radiology since recent private equity acquisitions have redefined partnership tracks significantly.
More salary data for Kokomo, IN:
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 Kokomo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kokomo 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