Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Laurel, MS: $222,759 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Laurel, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $222,759 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laurel's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $259,929 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($384,066) 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 Laurel, MS, can expect a starting salary of around $222,759, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $384,066 for experienced professionals in the area. For early-career radiologists, this may seem like a gap, but there is a clear pathway for salary growth over the first few years. It's realistic for new graduates to aim for salaries in the range of $276,527 within three to five years as they gain experience and develop their skills. Given Laurel's cost of living index of 85.7, which is below the national average, the local market presents a favorable environment for entry-level radiologists, making it a viable option for those starting their careers in medicine.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laurel
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 Laurel
Entry-level radiologists in Laurel, MS typically start between $222,759 and $276,527 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $284,221 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $384,066 — 13.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Mississippi of $215,000 represents just 96.52% of the starting radiologist pay ($222,759/year) in Laurel. 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 Laurel
- 1Research the Laurel market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $222,759 to $276,527, 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laurel'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 Laurel is $284,221 ( 127.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $222,759, experienced hygienists can earn up to $506,980.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$187,768
2025 BLS Actual
$212,151
2026 Current Est.
$222,759
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Laurel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $187,768 | Actual |
| 2022 | $184,884 | Actual |
| 2023 | $190,104 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $212,151 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $222,759 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $233,896 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Laurel, MS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $187,768 in 2021 to $212,151 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $233,896. New graduates entering the Laurel job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
Employers in Laurel often welcome new graduates, including academic medical centers that focus on subspecialty training and fellowship programs, as well as larger private practice groups that may seek fresh talent directly from residency. For those interested in teleradiology, opportunities are available as companies increasingly hire fellowship-trained radiologists, allowing for a remote-first lifestyle. To maximize starting pay in Mississippi, obtaining board certification through the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and pursuing fellowship training can be advantageous. In the first three years, radiologists can expect incremental raises, particularly within the private practice and hospital settings, while understanding how the recent private equity influence on radiology partnerships impacts long-term earning potential. Building a robust resume early on—with the right educational and professional credentials—will position new graduates for faster advancement in this evolving field.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 Laurel. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laurel 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