Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Maryland Heights, MO: $225,548 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Maryland Heights, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $225,548 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maryland Heights's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $251,728 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($388,876) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating as a new radiologist in Maryland Heights, Missouri, presents a realistic entry-level salary expectation of about $225,548 in 2026. This starting pay is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $388,876 for radiologists in the area, highlighting a gap that new physicians will need to consider as they embark on their careers. As they progress over the next three to five years, early-career professionals can anticipate salary growth, moving from the initial $225,548 to around $279,991 (at the 25th percentile), and eventually reaching the median within that timeframe. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Maryland Heights remains an attractive market for fresh graduates, especially for those willing to build their careers in such a supportive community.
About the Maryland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maryland Heights
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 Maryland Heights
Entry-level radiologists in Maryland Heights, MO typically start between $225,548 and $279,991 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $325,770 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $388,876 — 12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Missouri of $260,000 represents just 115.27% of the starting radiologist pay ($225,548/year) in Maryland Heights. 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 Maryland Heights
- 1Research the Maryland Heights market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $225,548 to $279,991, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maryland Heights'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 Maryland Heights is $325,770 ( 144.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $225,548, experienced hygienists can earn up to $551,318.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$190,120
2025 BLS Actual
$214,808
2026 Current Est.
$225,548
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Maryland Heights (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $190,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $187,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $192,485 | Actual |
| 2024 | $183,744 | Actual |
| 2025 | $214,808 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $225,548 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $236,826 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Maryland Heights, MO grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $190,120 in 2021 to $214,808 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $236,826. New graduates entering the Maryland Heights job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maryland Heights 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 Maryland Heights
Several prominent employers in Maryland Heights are on the lookout for new graduates in radiology. Academic medical centers in the area provide not only diverse subspecialty training but also fellowship opportunities that can be crucial for career advancement. Large private radiology practices typically hire top talent directly from residency programs, with a structured path to partnership averaging 2-3 years, whereas teleradiology firms usually seek fellowship-trained radiologists for remote work options. Pursuing board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and engaging in continuing medical education can enhance earning potential from the onset. Given the current market trends, entry-level radiologists can expect a realistic growth in salary over the first few years as they solidify their place in a field that increasingly leans toward private equity partnerships or hospital employment, which can lead to compensation in the higher ranges after sufficient experience.
More salary data for Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maryland Heights 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