Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Tupelo, MS: $238,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Tupelo, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $238,521 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tupelo's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $278,321 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($411,244) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Tupelo, Mississippi, the starting salary averages around $238,521 in 2026, presenting a distinct contrast to the city’s median annual salary of $411,244. This discrepancy illustrates a common gap experienced by early-career radiologists, as the journey from entry-level pay toward the median can be significant. Over the first three to five years of practice, radiologists can expect gradual salary growth, progressing from the entry-level figure through the 25th percentile at $296,096 and ultimately aiming for the median. Currently, Tupelo offers a stable market for new grads, with healthcare institutions actively seeking fresh talent to fill essential roles in radiology, particularly as the demand for imaging services continues to grow.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tupelo
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 Tupelo
Entry-level radiologists in Tupelo, MS typically start between $238,521 and $296,096 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $312,342 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $411,244 — 6.94% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Mississippi of $215,000 represents just 90.14% of the starting radiologist pay ($238,521/year) in Tupelo. 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 Tupelo
- 1Research the Tupelo market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $238,521 to $296,096, 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 Tupelo, 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 Tupelo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tupelo'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 Tupelo is $312,342 ( 130.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $238,521, experienced hygienists can earn up to $550,863.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$201,055
2025 BLS Actual
$227,163
2026 Current Est.
$238,521
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Tupelo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $201,055 | Actual |
| 2022 | $197,967 | Actual |
| 2023 | $203,556 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,515 | Actual |
| 2025 | $227,163 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $238,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $250,447 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tupelo, MS grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $201,055 in 2021 to $227,163 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $250,447. New graduates entering the Tupelo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tupelo 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 Tupelo
In Tupelo, various employers actively recruit newly graduated radiologists, including academic medical centers and large private partnerships, which may provide paths to fellowship opportunities and potential partnerships within a few years. Hospital systems typically offer W-2 employment models, while private equity-backed groups are becoming more common in the region, often changing the landscape for new hires. Credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification will significantly enhance a candidate’s starting pay and career trajectory. Additionally, pursuing optional subspecialty fellowships can be strategic for aspiring radiologists focused on areas like interventional radiology, which can lead to higher earning potential. As the entry-level radiologist salary in Tupelo begins at approximately $238,521, new graduates can expect steady growth as they build their careers, generally resulting in more competitive salaries within three years of employment.
More salary data for Tupelo, 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 Tupelo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tupelo 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