Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Duluth, MN: $254,603 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Duluth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $254,603 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Duluth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $258,480 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($438,971) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated radiologists in Duluth, Minnesota can realistically expect an entry-level salary around $254,603. This starting pay represents a significant step below the city's median annual salary for radiologists, which stands at $438,971. However, over the course of 3 to 5 years, fresh graduates can anticipate a gradual yet steady increase in their earnings, moving from the entry-level benchmark towards the 25th percentile salary of $316,059, and eventually approaching the median. Given that the projected growth rate in the field is 5.00%, Duluth continues to be a viable market for new graduates, offering competitive pay relative to the regional cost of living index of 98.5, which is slightly below the national average.
About the Duluth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($400,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Duluth
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 Duluth
Entry-level radiologists in Duluth, MN typically start between $254,603 and $316,059 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $349,620 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $438,971 — 0.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Minnesota of $300,000 represents just 117.83% of the starting radiologist pay ($254,603/year) in Duluth. 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 Duluth
- 1Research the Duluth market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $254,603 to $316,059, 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 Duluth, 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 Duluth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Duluth'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 Duluth is $349,620 ( 137.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $254,603, experienced hygienists can earn up to $604,223.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$214,611
2025 BLS Actual
$242,479
2026 Current Est.
$254,603
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Duluth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $214,611 | Actual |
| 2022 | $211,314 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $230,461 | Actual |
| 2025 | $242,479 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $254,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $267,333 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Duluth, MN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $214,611 in 2021 to $242,479 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $267,333. New graduates entering the Duluth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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 Duluth
In Duluth, multiple employers actively seek to hire new graduates in radiology, ranging from academic medical centers that provide extensive fellowship training to private partnerships offering a pathway to long-term career advancement. Candidates should hold an MD or DO degree, complete a 5-year diagnostic radiology residency, attain ABR board certification, and potentially pursue additional subspecialty fellowships to enhance their marketability and starting salaries in Minnesota. With the evolving landscape of the industry, especially due to private equity acquisitions since 2018, newcomers should be flexible in their career strategies; they may find opportunities within both the traditional hospital W-2 employment structures, typically yielding between $400,000 and $550,000, or the rapidly advancing private partnership route, where earnings can start significantly higher. Realistic salary growth in the first three years for new grad radiologists in Duluth suggests a pathway toward stronger financial stability, reflecting the evolving dynamics of their profession.
More salary data for Duluth, 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 Duluth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Duluth 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