Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Butte, MT: $290,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Butte, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $290,890 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Butte's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $302,380 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($501,534) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiology graduates entering the workforce in Butte, Montana, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $290,890, with realistic expectations increasing as they progress in their career. The median annual salary for radiologists in Butte is projected to be $501,534 in 2026, creating a substantial gap of $210,644 between entry-level compensation and the median. Over the first three to five years, new graduates can look forward to increasing their earnings, with salaries likely rising to around $361,104 as they gain experience and expertise. Given this growth trajectory and the competitive entry-level pay, Butte presents a favorable market for new graduates in the radiology field.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Butte
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 Butte
Entry-level radiologists in Butte, MT typically start between $290,890 and $361,104 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $411,038 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $501,534 — 13.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Montana of $240,000 represents just 82.51% of the starting radiologist pay ($290,890/year) in Butte. 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 Butte
- 1Research the Butte market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $290,890 to $361,104, 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 Butte, 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 Butte for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Butte'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 Butte is $411,038 ( 141.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $290,890, experienced hygienists can earn up to $701,928.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$245,198
2025 BLS Actual
$277,038
2026 Current Est.
$290,890
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Butte (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $245,198 | Actual |
| 2022 | $241,432 | Actual |
| 2023 | $248,248 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,073 | Actual |
| 2025 | $277,038 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $290,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $305,434 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Butte, MT grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $245,198 in 2021 to $277,038 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $305,434. New graduates entering the Butte job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Butte 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 Butte
In this city, several prominent health care providers actively hire entry-level radiologists, including academic medical centers, large private radiology groups, and teleradiology firms. Academic centers often provide diverse subspecialty training and a seamless fellowship pathway, which can enhance professional development. For those looking for private employment, partnerships typically require 2-3 years of experience, while teleradiology offers a remote-first lifestyle ideal for fellowship-trained radiologists. Credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are essential for new graduates looking to boost their marketability and starting pay in Montana. Career strategies in the initial years should consider the evolving landscape: radiologists in private partnerships might earn between $500,000 and $700,000, while those in hospital settings may start between $400,000 and $550,000. Entry-level radiologists can expect meaningful salary increases as they progress through their careers in Butte, positioning themselves well for future advancement.
More salary data for Butte, 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 Butte. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Butte 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