Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Meridian, MS: $228,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Meridian, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $228,335 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Meridian's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $266,435 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($393,681) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly minted radiologists entering the workforce in Meridian, Mississippi, can anticipate a starting salary around $228,335, which, while modest, sets a foundation for future earnings. Comparatively, this figure represents a significant gap when juxtaposed with the city's median annual salary of $393,681. In the first few years of practice, as entry-level radiologists progress in their careers, they can expect salaries to rise toward the P25 threshold of $283,450, and eventually to the median within a 3 to 5-year time frame. Given Meridian's relatively lower cost of living index at 85.7, the entry-level radiologist salary in this area, while slightly below the national average, offers new graduates a competitive start that aligns well with regional economic conditions.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Meridian
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 Meridian
Entry-level radiologists in Meridian, MS typically start between $228,335 and $283,450 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $302,911 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $393,681 — 10.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Mississippi of $215,000 represents just 94.16% of the starting radiologist pay ($228,335/year) in Meridian. 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 Meridian
- 1Research the Meridian market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $228,335 to $283,450, 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 Meridian, 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 Meridian for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Meridian'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 Meridian is $302,911 ( 132.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $228,335, experienced hygienists can earn up to $531,246.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$192,469
2025 BLS Actual
$217,462
2026 Current Est.
$228,335
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Meridian (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $192,469 | Actual |
| 2022 | $189,513 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,863 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,788 | Actual |
| 2025 | $217,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $228,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $239,752 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Meridian, MS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $192,469 in 2021 to $217,462 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $239,752. New graduates entering the Meridian job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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 Meridian
Several healthcare providers in Meridian present excellent opportunities for new radiologists. Academic medical centers often seek fresh graduates to fill roles that offer subspecialty exposure and pipeline access to fellowships. Large private partnerships typically hire out of residency programs and provide a structured 2-3 year track toward partnership, which can be a lucrative path down the road. It's also notable that teleradiology firms are on the rise, often hiring fellowship-trained radiologists for remote work options. However, to secure a more competitive starting salary in Mississippi, aspiring radiologists should strive to hold an MD or DO degree, complete a diagnostic radiology residency, and aim for ABR board certification. This initial phase plays a critical role in a radiologist’s career strategy; establishing credentials early can lead to faster progress along the salary trajectory. With realistic growth expectations of approximately 5.00% annually, new grads can enhance their value by considering subspecialty fellowships and gaining experience in either the private or hospital employment models, which have been impacted by significant market changes since 2018.
More salary data for Meridian, 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 Meridian. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Meridian 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