Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lowell, MA: $278,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lowell, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $278,859 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lowell's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $257,013 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($480,792) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the starting radiologist salary in Lowell, Massachusetts, is projected at $278,859 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap compared to the city's median salary of $480,792, which reflects the higher earnings potential as radiologists gain experience. Radiologists can expect their salaries to grow steadily throughout their initial years, with entry-level professionals progressing from the $278,859 mark to around $346,170 within the first few years and ultimately aiming to reach the median level as they establish their careers. This growth trajectory makes Lowell a promising market for recent graduates, especially given the city's relatively strong demand for radiology professionals.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lowell
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 Lowell
Entry-level radiologists in Lowell, MA typically start between $278,859 and $346,170 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $418,604 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $480,792 — 8.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Massachusetts of $400,000 represents just 143.44% of the starting radiologist pay ($278,859/year) in Lowell. 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 Lowell
- 1Research the Lowell market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $278,859 to $346,170, 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 Lowell, 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 Lowell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lowell'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 Lowell is $418,604 ( 150.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $278,859, experienced hygienists can earn up to $697,463.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$235,057
2025 BLS Actual
$265,580
2026 Current Est.
$278,859
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Lowell (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $235,057 | Actual |
| 2022 | $231,446 | Actual |
| 2023 | $237,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $258,728 | Actual |
| 2025 | $265,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $278,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $292,802 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lowell, MA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $235,057 in 2021 to $265,580 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $292,802. New graduates entering the Lowell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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 Lowell
In Lowell, key employers often include academic medical centers and large private group practices, which hire new graduates while also providing valuable fellowship opportunities. Teleradiology firms are another avenue for entry-level radiologists, offering the flexibility of remote work in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. To boost starting pay in Massachusetts, it's essential for new graduates to obtain board certification from the ABR after completing their diagnostic radiology residency. As radiology continues to evolve, understanding the difference between private partnerships and W-2 employment can significantly impact long-term earning potential. While initial salaries may seem modest, radiologists specializing in interventional radiology or joining private equity-backed practices can see substantial earnings growth, particularly in their first few years, where salary changes can be anywhere from $400,000 to over $700,000 depending on the chosen career path. Keeping abreast of industry trends and aligning continuing education efforts can enhance job prospects and salary potential for new grad radiologists in Lowell, MA.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
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 Lowell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell 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