Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Metairie, LA: $254,339 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Metairie, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $254,339 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Metairie's local price level (BEA RPP 90.3 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $281,660 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($438,517) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in 2026, the starting radiologist salary in Metairie, Louisiana, presents a promising yet nuanced picture. Those just beginning their careers can expect to see entry-level positions offering around $254,339 annually, which is notably below the median salary for radiologists in the area, projected at $438,517. This gap of over $184,000 emphasizes that early-career professionals have substantial room for growth as they gain experience. Within the first three to five years, salaries are expected to rise to approximately $315,732 at the 25th percentile, reflecting a healthy growth trajectory in a city that currently accommodates 23 practicing radiologists. Overall, Metairie can be viewed as an attractive market for new graduates, especially given its lower cost of living index of 90.3 compared to the national average.
About the Metairie Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Metairie
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 Metairie
Entry-level radiologists in Metairie, LA typically start between $254,339 and $315,732 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $391,458 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $438,517 — 0.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Louisiana of $230,000 represents just 90.43% of the starting radiologist pay ($254,339/year) in Metairie. 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 Metairie
- 1Research the Metairie market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $254,339 to $315,732, 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 LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Metairie, 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 Metairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Metairie'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 Metairie is $391,458 ( 153.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $254,339, experienced hygienists can earn up to $645,797.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$214,389
2025 BLS Actual
$242,228
2026 Current Est.
$254,339
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Metairie (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $214,389 | Actual |
| 2022 | $211,096 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,055 | Actual |
| 2024 | $180,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $242,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $254,339 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $267,056 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Metairie, LA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $214,389 in 2021 to $242,228 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $267,056. New graduates entering the Metairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Metairie 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 Metairie
Employers in Metairie that hire new grad radiologists include large academic medical centers, private radiology partnerships, and telehealth firms. Academic settings often afford extensive subspecialty training, a significant advantage for career advancement through fellowship programs. For instance, those who join large private partnerships typically benefit from a two to three-year pathway to partnership, while telehealth companies may appeal to those seeking flexible work environments. Credentials such as an MD or DO with board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR), completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and any additional fellowships can effectively enhance new grad radiologist pay in LA. The current division in the industry between private and hospital employment (with potential earnings ranging from $400,000 to $550,000) creates diverse opportunities. New entrants can expect to see a gradual increase in their salaries over the first few years, in line with the prevalent trend of a 5.00% annual growth rate, allowing for a robust career development path in Metairie.
More salary data for Metairie, LA:
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 Metairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Metairie 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