Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Jackson, MI: $235,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Jackson, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $235,574 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,762 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($406,162) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of radiology in Jackson, Michigan, can expect to see entry-level salaries starting around $235,574 in 2026. This figure, while competitive for an entry-level position, is significantly lower than the projected city median of $406,162, leaving a notable gap that early-career radiologists will need to address over time. There is an encouraging path ahead for new grads; those with a few years of experience can anticipate salaries rising to about $292,437 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median as they build their skills and expertise. Jackson presents a workable market for recent graduates, especially as the healthcare sector continues to grow and develop, suggesting that newcomers can gain valuable experience that leads to satisfying career advancement opportunities.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level radiologists in Jackson, MI typically start between $235,574 and $292,437 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $305,140 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $406,162 — 8.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Michigan of $290,000 represents just 123.10% of the starting radiologist pay ($235,574/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $235,574 to $292,437, 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 MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $305,140 ( 129.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $235,574, experienced hygienists can earn up to $540,714.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$198,571
2025 BLS Actual
$224,356
2026 Current Est.
$235,574
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Jackson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $198,571 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $201,041 | Actual |
| 2024 | $202,574 | Actual |
| 2025 | $224,356 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $235,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $247,352 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $198,571 in 2021 to $224,356 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $247,352. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
In Jackson, various employers seek to hire newly graduated radiologists, making the area an attractive option for recent MD and DO degree holders. Academic medical centers often provide a breadth of subspecialty experience and may include fellowship pipeline opportunities, while larger private partnerships commonly offer clear pathways for career advancement, typically requiring 2-3 years of strong performance before reaching partner status. Teleradiology firms present another avenue, frequently hiring fellowship-trained radiologists to support their remote-first operations. To enhance entry-level compensation in Michigan, securing board certification from the ABR and considering fellowship training are crucial steps. The first few years typically involve navigating the dichotomy between hospital W-2 employment, which often averages around $400k-$550k, and transitioning into private partnerships, where earnings can jump significantly higher. Adjusting to the evolving landscape of radiology partnerships, especially with the increase in private equity acquisitions, requires new radiologists to be strategic about their career growth and salary expectations, focusing on long-term plans for professional development.
More salary data for Jackson, MI:
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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