Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Thibodaux, LA: $230,900 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Thibodaux, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $230,900 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Thibodaux's local price level (BEA RPP 90.3 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $255,703 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($398,104) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting radiologist salary in Thibodaux is projected to be approximately $230,900, which represents a notable entry point for new graduates entering the field. While this figure is on the lower end of the salary range, it still offers a solid foundation compared to the median annual salary of $398,104 for all radiologists in the area. Over the course of the first few years, entry-level professionals can expect to see meaningful growth in their earnings, transitioning through the P25 salary level of $286,635 towards the median as they gain experience and build their reputation. Given the projected 5.00% annual growth rate and a relatively low cost of living index of 90.3 in Thibodaux, now could be a favorable time for new radiology graduates to establish their careers in this market.
About the Thibodaux Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Thibodaux
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 Thibodaux
Entry-level radiologists in Thibodaux, LA typically start between $230,900 and $286,635 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $291,916 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $398,104 — 9.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Louisiana of $230,000 represents just 99.61% of the starting radiologist pay ($230,900/year) in Thibodaux. 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 Thibodaux
- 1Research the Thibodaux market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $230,900 to $286,635, 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 Thibodaux, 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 Thibodaux for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Thibodaux'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 Thibodaux is $291,916 ( 126.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $230,900, experienced hygienists can earn up to $522,816.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$194,631
2025 BLS Actual
$219,905
2026 Current Est.
$230,900
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Thibodaux (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $194,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $191,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $197,052 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,872 | Actual |
| 2025 | $219,905 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $230,900 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $242,445 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Thibodaux, LA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $194,631 in 2021 to $219,905 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $242,445. New graduates entering the Thibodaux job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thibodaux 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 Thibodaux
In Thibodaux, various healthcare institutions are open to hiring new graduate radiologists, making it a strategically viable option for recent MD or DO holders. Academic medical centers provide opportunities for subspecialty fellowships, while large private partnerships may be inclined to employ and mentor them directly out of residency with pathways toward future partnership roles. To enhance starting pay potential in Louisiana, new graduates should prioritize obtaining their ABR board certification and consider pursuing fellowship training that complements their career goals. Career strategies during the first few years should account for the evolving landscape of radiology, especially as radiologists navigate choices between W-2 employment at hospitals and partnership trajectories in private practices, where earnings can expand significantly over time. With realistic salary growth expectations in the initial years, new grad radiologists in LA can aim for steady increases as they solidify their positions within the field.
More salary data for Thibodaux, 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 Thibodaux. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Thibodaux 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