Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Moorhead, MN: $242,799 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Moorhead, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $242,799 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moorhead's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $246,496 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($418,619) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in Moorhead, Minnesota, the starting salary can be quite variable, with the lower end of the spectrum projected at $242,799 in 2026. This figure represents the P10 level, which indicates what entry-level radiologists might realistically expect as they begin their careers. When compared to the city's median annual salary of $418,619, there is a notable gap that emerging professionals must consider as they negotiate their first contracts. However, the potential for growth is promising; radiologists in their first few years can anticipate their salaries moving from the P10 threshold through P25 at $301,406, and potentially reaching the median within three to five years, making Moorhead a viable market for fresh graduates seeking excellent opportunities.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($400,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moorhead
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 Moorhead
Entry-level radiologists in Moorhead, MN typically start between $242,799 and $301,406 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $348,413 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $418,619 — 5.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Minnesota of $300,000 represents just 123.56% of the starting radiologist pay ($242,799/year) in Moorhead. 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 Moorhead
- 1Research the Moorhead market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $242,799 to $301,406, 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 Moorhead, 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 Moorhead for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moorhead'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 Moorhead is $348,413 ( 143.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $242,799, experienced hygienists can earn up to $591,212.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$204,661
2025 BLS Actual
$231,237
2026 Current Est.
$242,799
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Moorhead (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $204,661 | Actual |
| 2022 | $201,517 | Actual |
| 2023 | $207,207 | Actual |
| 2024 | $219,776 | Actual |
| 2025 | $231,237 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $242,799 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $254,939 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Moorhead, MN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $204,661 in 2021 to $231,237 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $254,939. New graduates entering the Moorhead job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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 Moorhead
Several healthcare institutions in Moorhead provide pathways for newly minted radiologists, particularly academic medical centers that often hire first-time practitioners and offer fellowship pipelines for further specialization. Larger private partnerships may require new graduates to join for 2-3 years before progressing to partnership tracks, a financial move that has been influenced by recent private equity acquisitions reshaping traditional models since 2018. Credentials like an MD or DO degree, successful completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are crucial for securing positions that can drive starting pay upward. In the first three years, early-career radiologists in MN can expect to see healthy increments in earnings as they build experience, particularly those who align themselves with growing sectors like teleradiology or subspecialties, positioning themselves for a lucrative career path.
More salary data for Moorhead, 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 Moorhead. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moorhead 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