Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Ballwin, MO: $220,095 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Ballwin, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $220,095 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ballwin's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $245,642 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($379,474) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of radiology, the starting landscape in Ballwin, Missouri, offers a promising outlook. In 2026, a new graduate’s starting pay, at the 10th percentile, is projected to be $220,095. This figure is notably below the city median salary of $379,474, indicating a significant growth potential as new radiologists gain experience. Graduates can realistically anticipate a trajectory that may see them moving to $273,222 after a few years, reflecting the natural progression within this specialized field. Considering the 5.00% growth rate, it’s reasonable for new entrants to feel optimistic about their financial future in Ballwin, which presents a stable job market for them.
About the Ballwin Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ballwin
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 Ballwin
Entry-level radiologists in Ballwin, MO typically start between $220,095 and $273,222 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $300,815 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $379,474 — 14.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Missouri of $260,000 represents just 118.13% of the starting radiologist pay ($220,095/year) in Ballwin. 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 Ballwin
- 1Research the Ballwin market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $220,095 to $273,222, 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 MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ballwin, 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 Ballwin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ballwin'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 Ballwin is $300,815 ( 136.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $220,095, experienced hygienists can earn up to $520,910.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$185,523
2025 BLS Actual
$209,614
2026 Current Est.
$220,095
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Ballwin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $185,523 | Actual |
| 2022 | $182,673 | Actual |
| 2023 | $187,831 | Actual |
| 2024 | $179,302 | Actual |
| 2025 | $209,614 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $220,095 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $231,099 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Ballwin, MO grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $185,523 in 2021 to $209,614 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $231,099. New graduates entering the Ballwin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ballwin 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 Ballwin
When looking at employment opportunities, new radiologists in Ballwin would ideally seek positions within large private practices, academic medical centers, or teleradiology firms. Employers in Ballwin typically hire new graduates right out of residency, which includes rigorous training and the necessary prerequisites, such as ABR board certification. Establishing credentials, including potentially pursuing subspecialty fellowships, may bolster starting salaries and create pathways to higher earning potential in the long run. The radiology field's current dynamics reveal a divergence between private partnership routes and hospital employment, with the latter often providing a solid foundation for early-career professionals. New graduates should plan for realistic salary expectations in the first three years, navigating through opportunities that will maximize their financial growth and career trajectory based on the evolving market conditions in 2026.
More salary data for Ballwin, MO:
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 Ballwin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ballwin 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