Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Dodge City, KS: $250,338 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Dodge City, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $250,338 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dodge City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $275,399 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($431,616) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a radiologist in Dodge City, Kansas, presents new graduates with realistic salary expectations. Entry-level positions typically begin around $250,338, which indicates a significant gap from the city's median radiologist salary of $431,616. Over the first three to five years, new radiologists can anticipate gradual salary growth as they progress from the entry-level amount through to the 25th percentile at $310,763, ultimately nearing the median. Given this trajectory, Dodge City remains a viable market for recent graduates, especially considering the steady 5.00% annual growth rate projected for this field through 2026.
New graduate radiologists seeking employment in Dodge City will likely find opportunities in local hospitals and healthcare systems that frequently recruit newly minted residents. Academic centers are ideal for these entry-level positions due to their capacity to provide subspecialty training and potential fellowship pathways. To enhance their starting pay, new hires should pursue board certification through the American Board of Radiology (ABR) after completing a five-year residency. Additionally, engaging in fellowship programs can facilitate upward mobility within the radiology financial landscape. Given the current market's trends—where private partnerships often yield higher compensation compared to W-2 positions in hospitals—it's critical for early-career radiologists to strategize their professional development. Realistic salary growth expectations in the initial three years align closely with the city's healthcare dynamics, allowing for a solid financial foundation as they transition into a more competitive stage of their careers.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dodge City
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 Dodge City
Entry-level radiologists in Dodge City, KS typically start between $250,338 and $310,763 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $331,497 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $431,616 — 2.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Kansas of $230,000 represents just 91.88% of the starting radiologist pay ($250,338/year) in Dodge City. 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 Dodge City
- 1Research the Dodge City market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $250,338 to $310,763, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dodge City, 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 Dodge City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dodge City'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 Dodge City is $331,497 ( 132.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $250,338, experienced hygienists can earn up to $581,835.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$211,016
2025 BLS Actual
$238,417
2026 Current Est.
$250,338
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Dodge City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $211,016 | Actual |
| 2022 | $207,774 | Actual |
| 2023 | $213,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,068 | Actual |
| 2025 | $238,417 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $250,338 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $262,855 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dodge City, KS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $211,016 in 2021 to $238,417 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $262,855. New graduates entering the Dodge City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge City 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.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Dodge City in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Dodge City?
Is radiology school worth it in Dodge City?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Dodge City?
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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 Dodge City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dodge City 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