Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Baltimore, MD: $98,175 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Baltimore, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $98,175 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Baltimore's local price level (BEA RPP 104.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $93,959 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($610,586) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

The entry-level radiologist salary in Baltimore, Maryland, presents promising opportunities for recent graduates in 2026. New grads starting in this metropolitan area can expect initial compensation around $98,175, which serves as a starting point that may feel modest compared to the city’s median salary of $610,586. Graduates in their early careers can anticipate a progressive trajectory in their earnings, with realistic expectations of reaching approximately $184,674 within a couple of years, forward toward the median as they gain experience and skills. Baltimore remains a favorable market for aspiring radiologists, especially with its expanding medical community and the diverse avenues for professional growth.
Career Earnings Timeline in Baltimore
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 Baltimore
Entry-level radiologists in Baltimore, MD typically start between $98,175 and $184,674 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $512,589 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $610,586 — 38.17% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Maryland of $320,000 represents just 325.95% of the starting radiologist pay ($98,175/year) in Baltimore. 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 Baltimore
- 1Research the Baltimore market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $98,175 to $184,674, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Baltimore, 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 Baltimore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Baltimore's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Baltimore is $512,589 ( 522.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $98,175, experienced hygienists can earn up to $610,764.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$61,340
2025 BLS Actual
$93,500
2026 Current Est.
$98,175
2021–2027 Growth
+68.1%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Baltimore (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $61,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,175 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,084 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Baltimore, MD grew 52.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,340 in 2021 to $93,500 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $103,084. New graduates entering the Baltimore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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 Baltimore
Entering the radiology field often means aligning with strong employers such as academic medical centers, which provide not only a broad spectrum of subspecialty training but also fellowship paths that facilitate long-term career advancement. Large private partnerships favor recent residents, setting them on paths toward partnership roles within 2-3 years, while teleradiology firms offer a growing demand for fellowship-trained radiologists seeking flexibility in their work-life balance. To enhance starting pay in MD, obtaining the appropriate licensing and board certifications, such as ABR board certification, is critical, alongside pursuing optional fellowships that may be advantageous. Career strategies for new graduates should consider the bifurcation of practice settings—between private partnerships typically yielding significant compensation versus hospital-based positions that offer stability. New radiologists can realistically expect their salaries to increase steadily over the first three years as they adapt to productivity models and contribute to group RVUs.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
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 Baltimore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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