Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Austin, MN: $238,783 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Austin, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $238,783 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Austin's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $242,419 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($411,695) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, starting salaries for new graduate radiologists in Austin, MN, are expected to begin at approximately $238,783. This figure sits significantly below the city median annual salary of $411,695 for more experienced professionals, highlighting the gap new entrants face as they cultivate their careers. However, early-career radiologists can look forward to robust growth prospects as they progress, with potential earnings reaching around $296,420 at the 25th percentile in just a few years. Austin currently presents a favorable market for new graduates, with a 5.00% anticipated growth rate that suggests a steadily improving salary trajectory, making it a viable location for those starting in this field.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($400,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Austin
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 Austin
Entry-level radiologists in Austin, MN typically start between $238,783 and $296,420 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $316,006 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $411,695 — 6.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Minnesota of $300,000 represents just 125.64% of the starting radiologist pay ($238,783/year) in Austin. 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 Austin
- 1Research the Austin market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $238,783 to $296,420, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Austin, 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 Austin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Austin'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 Austin is $316,006 ( 132.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $238,783, experienced hygienists can earn up to $554,789.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$201,275
2025 BLS Actual
$227,412
2026 Current Est.
$238,783
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Austin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $201,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $198,184 | Actual |
| 2023 | $203,779 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $227,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $238,783 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $250,722 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Austin, MN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $201,275 in 2021 to $227,412 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $250,722. New graduates entering the Austin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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 Austin
Employers in Austin who are likely to hire entry-level radiologists include academic medical centers, which often provide diverse subspecialty experiences and pathways to fellowship positions. Large private practices may offer 2-3 year tracks for young radiologists to potentially become partners, while teleradiology firms are increasingly looking to onboard fellowship-trained radiologists, allowing for flexible, remote work options. Aspiring radiologists should prioritize obtaining their MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification, as these credentials significantly impact starting salaries in Minnesota. Focusing on continuous learning and potential subspecialty fellowships during the first few years in the profession can greatly enhance a radiologist’s career trajectory, especially with the evolving dynamics between private partnerships and hospital employment models. Consequently, new graduates can expect to see a gradual salary increase during their initial 1-3 years, reflective of their experience and industry demand in this region.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Austin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin 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