Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Brandon, MS: $229,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Brandon, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $229,550 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brandon's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $267,853 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($395,775) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating as a new radiologist in Brandon, Mississippi, in 2026 presents promising but realistic earnings potential. The entry-level radiologist salary in Brandon starts at approximately $229,550, considerably lower than the city median of $395,775. New graduates can expect a progressive salary growth trajectory, advancing from $229,550 at the 10th percentile to $284,958 at the 25th percentile within their first few years. As the local healthcare market stabilizes, this path of gradual salary increases appears viable for early-career professionals in the area, making Brandon a reasonable location for recent graduates looking to establish themselves in the field of radiology.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brandon
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 Brandon
Entry-level radiologists in Brandon, MS typically start between $229,550 and $284,958 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $323,503 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $395,775 — 10.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Mississippi of $215,000 represents just 93.66% of the starting radiologist pay ($229,550/year) in Brandon. 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 Brandon
- 1Research the Brandon market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $229,550 to $284,958, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brandon, 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 Brandon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brandon's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Brandon is $323,503 ( 140.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $229,550, experienced hygienists can earn up to $553,053.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$193,493
2025 BLS Actual
$218,619
2026 Current Est.
$229,550
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Brandon (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $193,493 | Actual |
| 2022 | $190,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $195,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,591 | Actual |
| 2025 | $218,619 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $229,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $241,027 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Brandon, MS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $193,493 in 2021 to $218,619 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $241,027. New graduates entering the Brandon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brandon 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 Brandon
When considering employment opportunities, several major healthcare employers in Brandon offer positions for new radiologists, from hospital systems to larger private partnerships. Academic medical centers provide significant learning experiences, while private practices frequently recruit fresh talent from residency training. To enhance starting pay, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, successful completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are crucial. Many new professionals first spend 1-2 years gaining experience before pursuing subspecialty fellowships, which can lead to higher salaries and roles within private equity-acquired radiology groups. With the bifurcation of the radiology field into W-2 employment versus partnership models, new graduates should seek to align their career trajectories with their professional goals, knowing that realistic salary growth in the first few years may range significantly depending on their chosen path.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
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 Brandon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brandon 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