Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Pearl, MS: $238,578 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Pearl, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $238,578 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pearl's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $278,387 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($411,341) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pearl, Mississippi offers a competitive starting salary for entry-level radiologists in 2026, projected at $238,578. Compared to the city’s median annual salary of $411,341, new graduates can expect a significant gap initially. However, there is a clear growth trajectory where salary expectations can increase towards the 25th percentile figure of $296,165 within the first few years of practice. Given its favorable location and supportive healthcare environment, Pearl serves as a promising market for new graduates eager to embark on their radiology careers.
About the Pearl Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pearl
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 Pearl
Entry-level radiologists in Pearl, MS typically start between $238,578 and $296,165 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $312,605 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $411,341 — 6.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Mississippi of $215,000 represents just 90.12% of the starting radiologist pay ($238,578/year) in Pearl. 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 Pearl
- 1Research the Pearl market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $238,578 to $296,165, 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 Pearl, 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 Pearl for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pearl'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 Pearl is $312,605 ( 131.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $238,578, experienced hygienists can earn up to $551,183.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$201,103
2025 BLS Actual
$227,217
2026 Current Est.
$238,578
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Pearl (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $201,103 | Actual |
| 2022 | $198,014 | Actual |
| 2023 | $203,604 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,552 | Actual |
| 2025 | $227,217 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $238,578 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $250,507 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pearl, MS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $201,103 in 2021 to $227,217 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $250,507. New graduates entering the Pearl job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl 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 Pearl
Employers in Pearl that actively hire new graduates typically include large hospital systems and established radiology groups, many of which have strong ties to academic medical centers. These facilities not only offer diverse training opportunities but also usually support fellowship pathways for subspecialization. For new grads in MS, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are essential for enhancing earning potential. The first few years in radiology often see varied income levels based on whether one finds a position in private partnerships—which allow for upwards of $500k with time—or hospital employment, which generally starts lower yet provides stability. In the evolving market shaped by private equity, realistic salary expectations can see a strong growth pattern in the initial years, particularly if the early-career radiologist actively seeks continued education and networking opportunities.
More salary data for Pearl, 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 Pearl. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pearl 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