Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lansing, MI: $241,892 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lansing, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $241,892 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lansing's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $259,541 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($417,054) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the radiology field in Lansing, Michigan, can expect a starting salary around $241,892. This figure reflects the 10th percentile of entry-level pay, which stands in contrast to the city's median annual salary of $417,054. Fresh radiologists should anticipate a growth trajectory that spans from this entry point to approximately $300,279 within their early career, potentially reaching the median salary after three to five years of experience. Lansing presents a favorable market for new radiologists, particularly given its below-average cost of living index of 93.2, suggesting that while starting salaries may be lower than in other metropolitan areas, the overall financial outlook remains promising for those beginning their careers.
About the Lansing Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lansing
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 Lansing
Entry-level radiologists in Lansing, MI typically start between $241,892 and $300,279 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $372,502 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $417,054 — 5.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Michigan of $290,000 represents just 119.89% of the starting radiologist pay ($241,892/year) in Lansing. 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 Lansing
- 1Research the Lansing market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $241,892 to $300,279, 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 Lansing, 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 Lansing for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lansing'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 Lansing is $372,502 ( 154.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $241,892, experienced hygienists can earn up to $614,394.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$203,896
2025 BLS Actual
$230,373
2026 Current Est.
$241,892
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Lansing (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $203,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $200,764 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,432 | Actual |
| 2024 | $208,007 | Actual |
| 2025 | $230,373 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $241,892 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $253,986 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lansing, MI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $203,896 in 2021 to $230,373 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $253,986. New graduates entering the Lansing job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lansing 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 Lansing
For new graduates entering radiology in Lansing, various employers can enhance career opportunities and salary potential. Local academic medical centers provide a comprehensive range of subspecialty training and fellowships, while large private radiology practices often recruit directly from residency programs, offering a clear path toward partnership in two to three years. Additionally, teleradiology firms are increasingly hiring fellowship-trained radiologists, appealing to those seeking remote work options. Credentials such as an MD or DO degree, successful completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are essential to boosting starting compensation in Michigan. In the first few years post-residency, radiologists may find their salaries gradually improving as they adapt to the bifurcated landscape of the field—whether pursuing partnerships, hospital employment, or subspecialties. Realistically, early-career salary growth might reflect a modest increase annually, aligning with the market's overall 5.00% growth rate.
More salary data for Lansing, 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 Lansing. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lansing 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