Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in University City, MO: $226,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the University City, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $226,403 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out University City's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,682 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($390,350) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A fresh graduate aiming for a position as a radiologist in University City, MO, can anticipate an entry-level radiologist salary of approximately $226,403 in 2026. While this figure might appear lower in comparison to the city’s median annual salary of $390,350, it sets a foundation for growth within the profession. New radiologists can expect salaries to generally rise with experience; moving through the 25th percentile that sits at $281,052, they can gradually approach the median as they gain expertise over the first few years. University City currently presents favorable market conditions for new grads looking to embark on their careers, especially in the context of a solid ongoing growth rate of 5.00% annually.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in University City
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 University City
Entry-level radiologists in University City, MO typically start between $226,403 and $281,052 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $291,807 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $390,350 — 11.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Missouri of $260,000 represents just 114.84% of the starting radiologist pay ($226,403/year) in University City. 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 University City
- 1Research the University City market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $226,403 to $281,052, 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 University City, 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 University City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5University City'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 University City is $291,807 ( 128.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $226,403, experienced hygienists can earn up to $518,210.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$190,840
2025 BLS Actual
$215,622
2026 Current Est.
$226,403
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in University City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $190,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $187,909 | Actual |
| 2023 | $193,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $215,622 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $226,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $237,723 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in University City, MO grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $190,840 in 2021 to $215,622 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $237,723. New graduates entering the University City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City 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 University City
Opportunities abound for entry-level radiologists within University City, where employers such as academic medical centers often seek fresh talent to join their ranks. These institutions not only provide diverse subspecialty training but also enable candidates to secure fellowship positions that can significantly boost their career trajectories. New graduates typically hold an MD or DO degree and must complete a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, integral for obtaining ABR board certification. Early-career radiologists should focus on enhancing their credentials, potentially opting for fellowships to increase their marketability. With the sector's recent shifts towards private partnerships and teleradiology models, new entrants can expect varied pathways for salary growth in their first three years. In the current market, it is realistic for fresh graduates to see an increase in pay as they transition from the entry-level figures while adhering to RVU productivity models in practicing settings, which will further inform their compensation trajectories as they navigate their early careers in radiology.
More salary data for University City, 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 University City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for University City 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