Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Liberal, KS: $246,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Liberal, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $246,794 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Liberal's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $271,501 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($425,506) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a starting annual salary of $246,794, those entering the radiology field in Liberal, Kansas can expect a competitive compensation package as they launch their careers. This entry-level figure reflects a gap from the overall city median of $425,506. However, new graduates have a clear trajectory for salary growth as they progress. Within the first few years, they can advance from the 10th percentile entry salary through the 25th percentile at $306,365, ultimately aiming for the city’s median compensation. Liberal currently offers a promising environment for recent graduates, balancing opportunity with considerable room for advancement in their early careers, particularly as demand for radiological services continues to rise.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Liberal
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 Liberal
Entry-level radiologists in Liberal, KS typically start between $246,794 and $306,365 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $337,158 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $425,506 — 3.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Kansas of $230,000 represents just 93.20% of the starting radiologist pay ($246,794/year) in Liberal. 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 Liberal
- 1Research the Liberal market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $246,794 to $306,365, 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 Liberal, 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 Liberal for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Liberal'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 Liberal is $337,158 ( 136.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $246,794, experienced hygienists can earn up to $583,952.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$208,028
2025 BLS Actual
$235,042
2026 Current Est.
$246,794
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Liberal (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $208,028 | Actual |
| 2022 | $204,833 | Actual |
| 2023 | $210,616 | Actual |
| 2024 | $174,561 | Actual |
| 2025 | $235,042 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $246,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $259,134 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Liberal, KS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $208,028 in 2021 to $235,042 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $259,134. New graduates entering the Liberal job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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 Liberal
Several employers in Liberal are keen to hire newly minted radiologists. Academic medical centers often provide pathways for subspecialty training and fellowships, which can enhance career prospects significantly. Additionally, large private practices and teleradiology firms are also options for those beginning their careers. To maximize starting pay in Kansas, newly graduated physicians should focus on obtaining board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR), registering with the DEA, and considering optional fellowships that can enrich their expertise. In the first few years, understanding the distinctions between W-2 hospital employment and private partnerships is crucial, especially given the recent influence of private equity in the field, altering traditional pathways to partnership. Early-career expectations should align with potential revenue generation and engagement in RVU productivity models, where salaries can continue to grow significantly in response to performance and market demand.
More salary data for Liberal, 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 Liberal. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Liberal 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