Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $251,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $251,731 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $278,463 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($434,020) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Marshalltown, Iowa, the starting pay can be quite promising yet requires realistic expectations. In 2026, entry-level salaries are projected to start around $251,731, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $434,020. However, as new macadamia radiologists gain experience, there is a potential growth trajectory through which earnings can rise to approximately $312,494 after the first few years, eventually moving closer to the median salary as skills develop and productivity increases. Given Marshalltown's favorable conditions for healthcare professionals—especially with its cost of living index at 90.4, which is below the national average—the job market appears to be supportive for fresh graduates in this discipline.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
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 Marshalltown
Entry-level radiologists in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $251,731 and $312,494 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $337,789 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $434,020 — 1.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Iowa of $240,000 represents just 95.34% of the starting radiologist pay ($251,731/year) in Marshalltown. 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 Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $251,731 to $312,494, 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 Marshalltown, 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 Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown'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 Marshalltown is $337,789 ( 134.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $251,731, experienced hygienists can earn up to $589,520.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$212,190
2025 BLS Actual
$239,744
2026 Current Est.
$251,731
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Marshalltown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $212,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $208,931 | Actual |
| 2023 | $214,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $179,775 | Actual |
| 2025 | $239,744 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $251,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $264,318 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $212,190 in 2021 to $239,744 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $264,318. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
As graduates consider their first positions, it’s essential to identify potential employers within Marshalltown that value newly minted professionals. Hospitals and academic medical centers are pivotal hiring venues, often providing residency fellows with solid pipelines into their practices. Large private partnerships may offer a route to partner status after a few years, while teleradiology firms could present remote work opportunities for those seeking a more flexible lifestyle. To enhance their starting salary in Iowa, new rad residents should aim to secure credentials such as ABR board certification and consider optional fellowship training to specialize further. Early career strategies should focus on the evolving landscape of the radiology job market, where private equity acquisitions have repositioned traditional pathways—especially for those entering partnerships or W-2 employment roles. With a solid grounding, some radiologists can experience a substantial salary growth in their initial years, anticipating upward mobility towards the more lucrative environments these career paths can offer.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Marshalltown in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Marshalltown?
Is radiology school worth it in Marshalltown?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Marshalltown?
How do I become a radiologist in Iowa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown 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