Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Salina, KS: $256,046 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Salina, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $256,046 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $281,679 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($441,459) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Salina, Kansas, the starting pay is projected to be around $256,046 annually in 2026. This figure represents the lower ten percent of earners, highlighting the initial income gap when compared to the city's median salary of $441,459 for radiologists. Over the first few years, entry-level radiologists can expect substantial growth as they progress towards the twenty-fifth percentile salary of $317,851, moving closer to the median as they gain experience. Given the overall positive trajectory of the healthcare sector and a forecasted annual growth rate of 5.00%, Salina presents a relatively stable market for new graduates seeking to establish their careers in radiology.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salina
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 Salina
Entry-level radiologists in Salina, KS typically start between $256,046 and $317,851 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $330,904 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $441,459 — 0.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Kansas of $230,000 represents just 89.83% of the starting radiologist pay ($256,046/year) in Salina. 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 Salina
- 1Research the Salina market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $256,046 to $317,851, 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 Salina, 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 Salina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salina'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 Salina is $330,904 ( 129.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $256,046, experienced hygienists can earn up to $586,950.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$215,827
2025 BLS Actual
$243,853
2026 Current Est.
$256,046
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Salina (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $215,827 | Actual |
| 2022 | $212,512 | Actual |
| 2023 | $218,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $181,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $243,853 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $256,046 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $268,848 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Salina, KS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $215,827 in 2021 to $243,853 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $268,848. New graduates entering the Salina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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 Salina
In Salina, various employers are keen on hiring entry-level radiologists, particularly within academic medical centers that provide a breadth of subspecialty training and potential fellowship opportunities. Large private partnerships often welcome new grads directly from residency, offering a clear pathway toward eventual partnership roles, which can be lucrative down the road. Credentials are pivotal in enhancing starting pay; possessing an MD or DO, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, obtaining ABR board certification, and possibly pursuing 1-2 years of subspecialty fellowship training can boost a new grad radiologist's appeal. Given the current market dynamics, salary growth in the first three years could be promising, especially for those aligned with private partnerships, where earnings can significantly increase as the landscape continues to evolve following private equity acquisitions of radiology groups since 2018. For new graduates aiming to secure a foothold in this field, focusing on both clinical skills and networking within local practices can effectively maximize early career opportunities.
More salary data for Salina, 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 Salina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salina 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