Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Madison, MS: $237,568 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Madison, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $237,568 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Madison's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $277,209 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($409,600) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, starting radiologists in Madison, MS can expect an entry-level salary around $237,568, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $409,600. For new graduates, this creates an understandable initial gap, but over the first few years, earnings can grow to approximately $294,911 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the median salary as experience and skills develop. The market in Madison appears stable for fresh graduates, especially considering the projected growth rate of 5.00% annually, enabling aspiring radiologists to anticipate upward mobility in their earnings as they gain practical experience and enhance their professional skills.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Madison
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 Madison
Entry-level radiologists in Madison, MS typically start between $237,568 and $294,911 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $307,849 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $409,600 — 7.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Mississippi of $215,000 represents just 90.50% of the starting radiologist pay ($237,568/year) in Madison. 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 Madison
- 1Research the Madison market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $237,568 to $294,911, 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 Madison, 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 Madison for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Madison'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 Madison is $307,849 ( 129.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $237,568, experienced hygienists can earn up to $545,417.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$200,251
2025 BLS Actual
$226,255
2026 Current Est.
$237,568
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Madison (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $200,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $197,176 | Actual |
| 2023 | $202,742 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $226,255 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $237,568 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $249,446 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Madison, MS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $200,251 in 2021 to $226,255 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $249,446. New graduates entering the Madison job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison
Radiologists beginning their careers in Madison should consider where they apply for their first roles. Local academic medical centers often hire new grads, providing valuable opportunities for subspecialty training and fellowship options. Large private partnerships, known for hiring directly from residency programs, typically offer a pathway to partnership after 2-3 years, while teleradiology firms may appeal to those seeking a remote-first lifestyle after completing a fellowship. To boost entry-level compensation, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are essential. Furthermore, as the radiology field has fragmented into private practices, W-2 hospital employment, and specialized interventional radiology tracks, new radiologists should align their early career choices with their long-term income goals. Overall, realistic salary progression within the first three years can vary but is typically influenced by the type of practice and demand for specific radiology subspecialties, setting the stage for fruitful careers ahead.
More salary data for Madison, 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 Madison. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madison 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