Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lawrence, KS: $267,570 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $267,570 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $294,356 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($461,328) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Kansas, the entry-level radiologist salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected to begin at $267,570. While this figure is below the city’s median annual salary of $461,328, it still offers a competitive starting point for those entering the profession. As early-career radiologists gain experience, they can expect their earnings to increase significantly, reaching $332,156 at the 25th percentile within just a few years. The projected career growth rate of 5.00% annually provides a positive outlook for new graduates, suggesting that Lawrence remains a promising market for radiologists launching their careers. With a cost of living index of 90.9—below the national average—this city positions itself as an attractive environment for young physicians looking for their first roles.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($355,000) 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, KS typically start between $267,570 and $332,156 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $369,934 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $461,328 — 4.4% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Kansas of $230,000 represents just 85.96% of the starting radiologist pay ($267,570/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 $267,570 to $332,156, 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 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 $369,934 ( 138.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $267,570, experienced hygienists can earn up to $637,504.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$225,541
2025 BLS Actual
$254,829
2026 Current Est.
$267,570
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 | $225,541 | Actual |
| 2022 | $222,077 | Actual |
| 2023 | $228,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $189,257 | Actual |
| 2025 | $254,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $267,570 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $280,949 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $225,541 in 2021 to $254,829 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $280,949. 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 hire entry-level radiologists typically include academic medical centers and large private partnerships. These institutions not only provide robust training and skill development opportunities but also have established fellowship pipelines to support continued education. Newly minted radiologists can enhance their starting pay by pursuing board certification through the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and considering additional subspecialty fellowships, which are increasingly valued by employers. Strategic decisions in the first few years can significantly influence earnings potential, especially given the recent industry shifts toward private equity acquisitions of radiology practices that have altered traditional partnership tracks. Understanding the distinctions between W-2 employment at hospitals and private partnerships is crucial for early-career professionals, as this can lead to vast differences in salary trajectories over the first three years.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Lawrence in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Lawrence?
Is radiology school worth it in Lawrence?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Lawrence?
How do I become a radiologist in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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