Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Traverse City, MI: $226,061 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Traverse City, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $226,061 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Traverse City's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $242,555 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($389,760) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
While the starting pay for entry-level radiologists in Traverse City, MI, is projected at $226,061 in 2026, this figure represents a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $389,760. New graduates entering the field can expect to experience a progressive salary trajectory, advancing through the percentile rankings as they gain experience—potentially reaching $280,627 at the P25 level and moving closer to the median within their first three to five years. Given the combination of factors such as the regional cost of living, which is below the national average, and the local demand for medical services, Traverse City remains a reasonable market for new grad radiologist pay in MI, providing opportunities for steady career growth in a supportive community.
About the Traverse City Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Traverse 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 Traverse City
Entry-level radiologists in Traverse City, MI typically start between $226,061 and $280,627 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $281,928 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $389,760 — 11.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Michigan of $290,000 represents just 128.28% of the starting radiologist pay ($226,061/year) in Traverse 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 Traverse City
- 1Research the Traverse City market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $226,061 to $280,627, 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 Traverse 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 Traverse City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Traverse City'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 Traverse City is $281,928 ( 124.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $226,061, experienced hygienists can earn up to $507,989.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$190,552
2025 BLS Actual
$215,296
2026 Current Est.
$226,061
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Traverse City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $190,552 | Actual |
| 2022 | $187,625 | Actual |
| 2023 | $192,922 | Actual |
| 2024 | $194,393 | Actual |
| 2025 | $215,296 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $226,061 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $237,364 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Traverse City, MI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $190,552 in 2021 to $215,296 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $237,364. New graduates entering the Traverse City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Traverse 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 Traverse City
In Traverse City, the primary employers for new radiologists include local hospitals, community health systems, and teleradiology firms, which can offer flexible working conditions along with varied case exposure. New graduates should prioritize obtaining their ABR board certification and consider fellowship training to enhance their credentials, which can directly impact starting salaries. As they navigate their first few years in practice, they may choose between hospital employment models, which tend to offer W-2 positions with predictable salaries ranging from $400,000 to $550,000, and private partnerships that can lead to long-term earning potential upward of $500,000. Given this bifurcation in the industry, a clear strategy for career advancement during the early years—whether through building RVU productivity or positioning themselves for partnership opportunities—will be essential for achieving realistic salary growth expectations in this evolving market.
More salary data for Traverse City, 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 Traverse City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Traverse 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