Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in North Liberty, IA: $249,253 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the North Liberty, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $249,253 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Liberty's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $275,722 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($429,746) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in North Liberty, Iowa, the starting radiologist salary is projected to be approximately $249,253 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, significantly below the median annual salary of $429,746 for radiologists in the area. Over the initial few years, there's an anticipated growth from this starting point towards higher pay brackets, with entry-level professionals likely to reach around $309,417 as they gain experience. This growth trajectory suggests that North Liberty presents a reasonable entry point for new radiologists, particularly as the demand for radiology services continues to increase.
About the North Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Liberty
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 North Liberty
Entry-level radiologists in North Liberty, IA typically start between $249,253 and $309,417 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $334,701 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $429,746 — 2.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Iowa of $240,000 represents just 96.29% of the starting radiologist pay ($249,253/year) in North Liberty. 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 North Liberty
- 1Research the North Liberty market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $249,253 to $309,417, 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 North Liberty, 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 North Liberty for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Liberty'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 North Liberty is $334,701 ( 134.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $249,253, experienced hygienists can earn up to $583,954.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$210,101
2025 BLS Actual
$237,384
2026 Current Est.
$249,253
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in North Liberty (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $210,101 | Actual |
| 2022 | $206,874 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,715 | Actual |
| 2024 | $178,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $237,384 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $249,253 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $261,716 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in North Liberty, IA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $210,101 in 2021 to $237,384 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $261,716. New graduates entering the North Liberty job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Liberty 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 North Liberty
Employers in North Liberty who are likely to hire recent graduates include regional healthcare systems and teleradiology firms. Academic medical centers often provide avenues for residency graduates, emphasizing subspecialty training and ongoing fellowship programs, while larger private partnerships might focus on immediate recruitment from residency with a structured path towards partnership within a few years. To enhance starting salaries, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, board certification from ABR, and DEA registration can be pivotal. In the first three years, it is realistic for new graduates to expect incremental salary increases based on performance and documentation of RVU productivity. Radiology's current environment—with its divide between private partnerships and hospital employment avenues, alongside shifting acquisition trends since 2018—can influence earning potential, particularly as new graduates position themselves for success in a competitive market.
More salary data for North Liberty, 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 North Liberty. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Liberty 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