Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Jackson, MS: $242,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $242,947 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $283,485 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($418,874) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the field of radiology in Jackson, Mississippi, should anticipate a starting salary around $242,947 in 2026. While this initial figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median radiologist salary of $418,874, new grads can expect to see substantial growth in their earnings within the first few years of practice. Over time, entry-level professionals typically see their compensation rise from the P10 estimate through the P25 mark of $301,589, paving the way toward the median. Given the current trends in radiology and the projected 5.00% annual growth rate, Jackson presents a relatively promising market for new entrants, particularly for those who strategically position themselves within the healthcare landscape.
A variety of healthcare employers in Jackson are actively seeking newly graduated radiologists, which may provide several opportunities for recent residents. Academic medical centers often recruit new grads due to the extensive training and fellowship pipelines they offer, while large private partnerships typically bring on residents with a pathway to partnership after 2-3 years. Teleradiology firms are also a growing option for those pursuing a remote-first lifestyle and are often open to hiring fellowship-trained radiologists. To enhance their starting pay in MS, new graduates should focus on obtaining board certification through the ABR and consider pursuing optional subspecialty fellowships. These credentials, combined with understanding the evolving landscape between private partnerships with projected salaries between $500k-$700k, hospital W-2 employment averaging $400k-$550k, and the lucrative subspecialty in interventional radiology often exceeding $700k, can equip new graduates for successful careers while setting realistic salary growth expectations in their formative years.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level radiologists in Jackson, MS typically start between $242,947 and $301,589 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $370,779 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $418,874 — 5.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Mississippi of $215,000 represents just 88.50% of the starting radiologist pay ($242,947/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $242,947 to $301,589, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $370,779 ( 152.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $242,947, experienced hygienists can earn up to $613,726.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,540
2025 BLS Actual
$231,378
2026 Current Est.
$242,947
2021–2027 Growth
+983.7%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Jackson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $201,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $207,333 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,438 | Actual |
| 2025 | $231,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $242,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $255,094 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew 882.9% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,540 in 2021 to $231,378 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $255,094. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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.
More salary data for Jackson, 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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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