Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Blaine, MN: $245,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Blaine, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $245,146 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Blaine's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $248,879 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($422,665) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the radiology field in Blaine, Minnesota, can expect an entry-level radiologist salary starting at around $245,146. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum in the area, significantly below the median annual salary of $422,665 for all radiologists. Over the initial years of their careers, early-career professionals can anticipate gradual salary growth, with potential increases to approximately $304,318 as they reach the 25th percentile, providing a path toward the median salary. Blaine currently presents a favorable environment for new graduates, particularly given its projected 5.00% annual growth rate for radiologist salaries, ensuring a relatively stable profession as they begin their careers.
About the Blaine Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($400,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Blaine
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 Blaine
Entry-level radiologists in Blaine, MN typically start between $245,146 and $304,318 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $346,910 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $422,665 — 4.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Minnesota of $300,000 represents just 122.38% of the starting radiologist pay ($245,146/year) in Blaine. 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 Blaine
- 1Research the Blaine market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $245,146 to $304,318, 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 Blaine, 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 Blaine for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Blaine'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 Blaine is $346,910 ( 141.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $245,146, experienced hygienists can earn up to $592,056.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$206,639
2025 BLS Actual
$233,472
2026 Current Est.
$245,146
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Blaine (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $206,639 | Actual |
| 2022 | $203,465 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $221,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $245,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,403 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Blaine, MN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $206,639 in 2021 to $233,472 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $257,403. New graduates entering the Blaine job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blaine 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 Blaine
When considering employment opportunities in Blaine, academic medical centers and large private partnerships are key employers that welcome new grads in the radiology profession. These institutions often provide robust fellowship pipelines and a diverse range of subspecialty training, allowing young professionals to broaden their skill sets and enhance their credentials. For instance, obtaining ABR board certification and pursuing optional subspecialty fellowships can significantly elevate starting pay for newly minted radiologists in Minnesota. As the industry has largely bifurcated into private partnerships, which typically command $500k-$700k shifts for experienced professionals, and hospital W-2 employment, where salaries range from $400k-$550k, it’s vital for newcomers to establish a clear career strategy in the first couple of years. Realistic salary growth for entry-level radiologists in this specific market should focus on building experience and considering partnership opportunities as the private equity landscape continues to evolve.
More salary data for Blaine, MN:
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 Blaine. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Blaine 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