Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $270,880 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Dartmouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $270,880 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dartmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $249,659 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($467,034) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Entering the field of radiology in Dartmouth, Massachusetts offers new graduates a promising starting salary. The projected entry-level radiologist salary in 2026 is approximately $270,880, which is notably lower than the overall city median of $467,034. This creates a significant gap that early-career radiologists can aim to narrow over time as they progress in their roles. Within the first three to five years, new radiologists may see their earnings increase towards the 25th percentile at around $336,265, paving the way toward achieving closer parity with the city median. Given the projected growth rate of 5.00% annually, now seems to be a favorable moment for new graduates looking to establish their careers in Dartmouth, where there are opportunities for consistent salary advancement.
Employers in Dartmouth that typically hire entry-level radiologists include academic medical centers, large private physician partnerships, and teleradiology firms. These institutions provide various career pathways: residency-trained grads might enter fellowships or explore private partnerships where compensation can escalate significantly with experience. Holding a thorough MD or DO degree, completing a full diagnostic radiology residency, obtaining ABR board certification, and potentially pursuing subspecialty fellowships can all enhance starting pay in MA. For those within the first few years of practice, focusing on productivity-based models such as RVUs and the distinction between hospital-based employment versus private practice partnerships is essential. Realistically, early-career radiologists can expect their salary to grow substantially as they navigate these contrasting environments and align their expertise with market needs, enhancing their earning potential considerably within a few years.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dartmouth
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 Dartmouth
Entry-level radiologists in Dartmouth, MA typically start between $270,880 and $336,265 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $383,706 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $467,034 — 5.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Massachusetts of $400,000 represents just 147.67% of the starting radiologist pay ($270,880/year) in Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth
- 1Research the Dartmouth market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $270,880 to $336,265, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dartmouth, 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 Dartmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dartmouth'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 Dartmouth is $383,706 ( 141.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $270,880, experienced hygienists can earn up to $654,586.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$228,331
2025 BLS Actual
$257,981
2026 Current Est.
$270,880
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Dartmouth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $228,331 | Actual |
| 2022 | $224,824 | Actual |
| 2023 | $231,171 | Actual |
| 2024 | $251,324 | Actual |
| 2025 | $257,981 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $270,880 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $284,424 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dartmouth, MA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $228,331 in 2021 to $257,981 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $284,424. New graduates entering the Dartmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Dartmouth in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Dartmouth?
Is radiology school worth it in Dartmouth?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Dartmouth?
How do I become a radiologist in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Dartmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dartmouth 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