Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Cottage Grove, MN: $249,166 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Cottage Grove, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $249,166 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cottage Grove's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,960 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($429,596) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiology in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, can expect an entry-level radiologist salary starting around $249,166. This figure, while modest compared to the estimated median salary of $429,596 for radiologists in the city, serves as a gateway into a lucrative career. The initial earnings, typically starting below the median, have the potential to grow as individuals gain experience and further their credentials. Within the first few years of practice, entry-level radiologists may see their salaries rise to approximately $309,309, positioning them for a steady path toward the median salary by their third to fifth year of employment. Overall, the Cottage Grove market currently offers favorable opportunities for recent graduates seeking to establish their careers.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($400,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cottage Grove
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 Cottage Grove
Entry-level radiologists in Cottage Grove, MN typically start between $249,166 and $309,309 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $323,412 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $429,596 — 2.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Minnesota of $300,000 represents just 120.40% of the starting radiologist pay ($249,166/year) in Cottage Grove. 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 Cottage Grove
- 1Research the Cottage Grove market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $249,166 to $309,309, 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 Cottage Grove, 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 Cottage Grove for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cottage Grove'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 Cottage Grove is $323,412 ( 129.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $249,166, experienced hygienists can earn up to $572,578.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$210,028
2025 BLS Actual
$237,301
2026 Current Est.
$249,166
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Cottage Grove (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $210,028 | Actual |
| 2022 | $206,802 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $225,539 | Actual |
| 2025 | $237,301 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $249,166 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $261,624 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cottage Grove, MN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $210,028 in 2021 to $237,301 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $261,624. New graduates entering the Cottage Grove job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove
Employers in Cottage Grove that commonly hire newly minted radiologists include local hospitals, academic medical centers, and private practice groups. Each offers distinct paths to career advancement. Academic facilities often provide robust fellowship opportunities, allowing for specialization which can enhance earning potential. In contrast, large private partnerships frequently recruit from residency programs, presenting a clear 2-3 year pathway to becoming a partner, which is a lucrative option in this evolving environment. Credentials, such as an MD or DO degree and board certification from the ABR, are foundational for entering this competitive field and can significantly impact starting pay. With the recent shifts in radiology practice structures following private equity acquisitions, understanding the market dynamics—particularly the difference between hospital employment and private practice—is crucial. Realistically, radiologists in their first three years might anticipate gradual salary increases that align with these trends, capitalizing on the changing landscapes of compensation based on their practice type and any specialization pursued.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Cottage Grove in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Cottage Grove?
Is radiology school worth it in Cottage Grove?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Cottage Grove?
How do I become a radiologist in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Cottage Grove. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cottage Grove 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