Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Ellicott City, MD: $281,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Ellicott City, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $281,343 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ellicott City's local price level (BEA RPP 109.3 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $257,404 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($485,075) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the radiology field in Ellicott City can expect an entry-level radiologist salary around $281,343. This starting pay may seem substantially lower compared to the city median of $485,075, but it's essential for new graduates to keep realistic expectations as they embark on their careers. Over the first three to five years, early-career radiologists may experience growth from the 10th percentile earnings to approximately $349,254 at the 25th percentile, ultimately aiming toward the median salary. Ellicott City presents a promising market for newly minted radiologists, with competitive compensation that reflects its urban amenities and proximity to major healthcare facilities, making it an attractive option for those looking to begin their medical careers.
About the Ellicott City Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($395,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ellicott City
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 Ellicott City
Entry-level radiologists in Ellicott City, MD typically start between $281,343 and $349,254 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $382,224 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $485,075 — 9.77% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Maryland of $320,000 represents just 113.74% of the starting radiologist pay ($281,343/year) in Ellicott City. 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 Ellicott City
- 1Research the Ellicott City market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $281,343 to $349,254, 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 Ellicott City, 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 Ellicott City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ellicott City'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 Ellicott City is $382,224 ( 135.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $281,343, experienced hygienists can earn up to $663,567.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$237,151
2025 BLS Actual
$267,946
2026 Current Est.
$281,343
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Ellicott City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $237,151 | Actual |
| 2022 | $233,508 | Actual |
| 2023 | $240,101 | Actual |
| 2024 | $251,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $267,946 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $281,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $295,410 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Ellicott City, MD grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $237,151 in 2021 to $267,946 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $295,410. New graduates entering the Ellicott City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City
In terms of employment opportunities, several local entities are known to hire fresh graduates in radiology. Academic medical centers offer diverse subspecialty training and a clear pathway through fellowship programs, while large private partnerships have been known to onboard residents directly, setting them on a 2-3 year track to partnership. Additionally, teleradiology firms frequently seek fellowship-trained radiologists, appealing to those interested in remote-first lifestyles. To boost starting pay in Maryland, professionals need to ensure they obtain their MD or DO degree, complete a diagnostic radiology residency, achieve ABR board certification, and potentially undertake 1-2 years of subspecialty fellowship training. Looking at career strategies, those just starting can also weigh the differences between working in private partnerships, which typically offer compensation in the $500k-$700k range, and hospital W-2 employment, where salaries fall within $400k-$550k. Given Ellicott City's current landscape, realistic salary growth expectations in those initial years could reflect moderate increases, paving a path toward higher earning potential in the years to come.
More salary data for Ellicott City, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Ellicott City in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Ellicott City?
Is radiology school worth it in Ellicott City?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Ellicott City?
How do I become a radiologist in Maryland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Ellicott City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ellicott City 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