Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lawrence, IN: $255,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lawrence, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $255,773 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $280,146 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($440,987) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiology in Lawrence, Indiana can expect a starting radiologist salary of approximately $255,773. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $440,987, it provides an initial stepping stone into a well-paying profession. In the first few years of practice, entry-level radiologists may experience salary growth, with prospects to ascend to $317,511 within three to five years, reflecting the upward trajectory expected in this healthcare specialty. Given Lawrence's competitive wage structure and the projected 5.00% annual growth rate in this field, it appears to be a favorable market for new grads to launch their careers in radiology.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level radiologists in Lawrence, IN typically start between $255,773 and $317,511 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $363,676 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $440,987 — 0.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Indiana of $260,000 represents just 101.65% of the starting radiologist pay ($255,773/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $255,773 to $317,511, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $363,676 ( 142.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $255,773, experienced hygienists can earn up to $619,449.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$215,597
2025 BLS Actual
$243,593
2026 Current Est.
$255,773
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Lawrence (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $215,597 | Actual |
| 2022 | $212,285 | Actual |
| 2023 | $218,279 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $243,593 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $255,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $268,561 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, IN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $215,597 in 2021 to $243,593 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $268,561. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Employers in Lawrence that actively recruit new radiology graduates range from academic medical centers to large private partnerships and teleradiology firms. Academic settings often provide exposure to a variety of subspecialties and pathways toward fellowship training, while private practices typically offer a quicker pathway to partnership, which can be appealing for ambitious new radiologists. To maximize starting pay, it is essential for candidates to hold either an MD or DO degree, successfully complete a diagnostic radiology residency, and achieve board certification through the ABR. Furthermore, engaging in optional fellowships can boost employability. In the initial years, expect competitive salary growth in line with the bifurcated radiology field, where private practice positions may lead to earnings exceeding those in hospital employment. With private equity influencing radiology partnerships since 2018, understanding these dynamics is vital for strategic career advancement in Lawrence and across Indiana.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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