Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Leawood, KS: $254,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Leawood, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $254,629 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leawood's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $280,120 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($439,016) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in Leawood, Kansas, the starting salary offers a blend of promise and challenge. The projected entry-level radiologist salary in 2026 stands at $254,629, which is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $439,016. However, this initial pay can grow as one progresses through the early years of their career, with expectations set at $316,091 at the 25th percentile by year three. Understanding the local job market is crucial; Leawood, with its slightly below-average cost of living index of 90.9, presents a reasonable platform for new graduates to launch their careers. With a strong growth rate of 5.00% anticipated annually, entering this field can be a rewarding choice for those committed to navigating the early stages of their profession.
About the Leawood Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leawood
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 Leawood
Entry-level radiologists in Leawood, KS typically start between $254,629 and $316,091 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $351,421 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $439,016 — 0.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Kansas of $230,000 represents just 90.33% of the starting radiologist pay ($254,629/year) in Leawood. 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 Leawood
- 1Research the Leawood market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $254,629 to $316,091, 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 Leawood, 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 Leawood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leawood'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 Leawood is $351,421 ( 138.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $254,629, experienced hygienists can earn up to $606,050.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$214,633
2025 BLS Actual
$242,504
2026 Current Est.
$254,629
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Leawood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $214,633 | Actual |
| 2022 | $211,336 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $180,103 | Actual |
| 2025 | $242,504 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $254,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $267,361 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Leawood, KS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $214,633 in 2021 to $242,504 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $267,361. New graduates entering the Leawood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leawood 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 Leawood
In Leawood, various healthcare institutions actively recruit entry-level radiologists, providing ample opportunities for new graduates. Academic medical centers often look for fresh talent, as they offer comprehensive training and fellowship pipelines that enrich career prospects. Large private partnerships typically hire residents and provide a structured path to partnership, while teleradiology firms attract candidates interested in remote-first work environments. For new doctors, holding an MD or DO degree, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and gaining ABR board certification are essential credentials that can enhance one’s starting pay in KS. Additionally, pursuing fellowship training can further elevate income potential. In terms of career strategy, the first few years should focus on establishing a solid foundation, understanding the bifurcation between private partnerships and hospital W-2 employment dynamics, which can lead to earnings varying significantly between $400,000 and $700,000 or more for those who pursue subspecialties. A commitment to professionalism and networking can pave the way for future success in this evolving field.
More salary data for Leawood, KS:
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 Leawood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leawood 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