Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Johnston, IA: $245,318 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Johnston, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $245,318 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Johnston's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $271,369 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($422,961) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates starting their careers in radiology, the financial outlook in Johnston, Iowa, is promising yet varies significantly. Entry-level positions, with a starting salary projected at $245,318 in 2026, offer a solid foundation for recent MD and DO grads entering the profession. When compared to the city median of $422,961, new radiologists can expect a substantial gap at the onset of their careers, but growth potential is evident. Over the first 3-5 years, earnings could increase as entry-level professionals progress toward the 25th percentile salary of $304,532, demonstrating a robust trajectory in this field. Given the consistent demand for radiology services and a projected growth rate of 5.00% annually, Johnston presents a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Johnston
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 Johnston
Entry-level radiologists in Johnston, IA typically start between $245,318 and $304,532 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $330,307 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $422,961 — 4.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Iowa of $240,000 represents just 97.83% of the starting radiologist pay ($245,318/year) in Johnston. 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 Johnston
- 1Research the Johnston market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $245,318 to $304,532, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Johnston, 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 Johnston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Johnston'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 Johnston is $330,307 ( 134.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $245,318, experienced hygienists can earn up to $575,625.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$206,784
2025 BLS Actual
$233,636
2026 Current Est.
$245,318
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Johnston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $206,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $203,608 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,356 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,194 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,636 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $245,318 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,584 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Johnston, IA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $206,784 in 2021 to $233,636 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $257,584. New graduates entering the Johnston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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 Johnston
In Johnston, prospective employers for entry-level radiologists typically include academic medical centers and large private practices that actively seek fresh talent. These organizations often offer not only job security but also exposure to advanced subspecialties and potential fellowship opportunities, crucial for early-career radiologists aiming for competitive salaries. To maximize earning potential, new graduates should focus on obtaining board certification from the ABR and completing a diagnostic radiology residency, as well as considering optional subspecialty fellowships. With the landscape of radiology shifting toward private partnerships, which can lead to higher earnings after a couple of years, those fresh out of residency should strategize their career paths carefully. Realistically, salary growth in the first few years can vary widely, but reaching figures closer to the median salary is often achievable through skill development, networking, and positioning within the changing dynamics of the industry in Iowa.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
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 Johnston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Johnston 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