Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Bozeman, MT: $294,541 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Bozeman, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $294,541 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bozeman's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $306,176 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($507,828) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates starting their careers as radiologists in Bozeman, Montana, can realistically expect an entry-level salary around $294,541. While this figure represents an entry-level starting point, it is noticeably lower than the median annual salary in the city of $507,828. Over the first few years, it is common for salaries to progress, with many quickly moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $365,636 within a few years of practice. For new grads, the Bozeman market remains favorable for emerging radiologists, offering opportunities to build their skills and advance in a relatively supportive community known for its access to healthcare facilities.
About the Bozeman Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bozeman
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 Bozeman
Entry-level radiologists in Bozeman, MT typically start between $294,541 and $365,636 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $447,361 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $507,828 — 14.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Montana of $240,000 represents just 81.48% of the starting radiologist pay ($294,541/year) in Bozeman. 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 Bozeman
- 1Research the Bozeman market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $294,541 to $365,636, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bozeman, 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 Bozeman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bozeman's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Bozeman is $447,361 ( 151.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $294,541, experienced hygienists can earn up to $741,902.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$248,275
2025 BLS Actual
$280,515
2026 Current Est.
$294,541
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Bozeman (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $248,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $244,462 | Actual |
| 2023 | $251,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $189,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $280,515 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $294,541 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $309,268 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bozeman, MT grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $248,275 in 2021 to $280,515 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $309,268. New graduates entering the Bozeman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bozeman 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 Bozeman
Looking at the employers in Bozeman that are likely to hire new graduates, academic medical centers and large private partnerships typically present the most robust opportunities. These organizations not only provide a breadth of subspecialty exposure but also have established fellowship pipelines that help transition residents into practice. To enhance starting pay in Montana, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are essential. Many early-career radiologists will benefit from pursuing advanced fellowship training, which can lead to higher compensation down the line. In this evolving industry environment, the typical career strategy involves focusing on either hospital W-2 employment or private partnership routes, with annual growth rates projected to be around 5.00% as newer physicians establish themselves in their respective roles over the initial years.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 Bozeman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bozeman 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