Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Helena, MT: $286,640 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Helena, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $286,640 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Helena's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $297,963 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($494,206) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As new graduates step into the radiology field, the entry-level radiologist salary in Helena, MT, is projected to start at around $286,640 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $494,206, it sets a solid foundation for a rapidly growing career. Within the first few years of practice, many can expect to see their salaries advance progressively. The trajectory from the entry-level P10 figure moves toward the P25 salary of $355,828, indicating a pathway of growth as they gain experience and build their clinical skills. For newly minted radiologists, Helena presents a promising market with opportunities for career advancement, making it an appealing choice for those just starting their professional journeys.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Helena
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 Helena
Entry-level radiologists in Helena, MT typically start between $286,640 and $355,828 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $390,996 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $494,206 — 11.84% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Montana of $240,000 represents just 83.73% of the starting radiologist pay ($286,640/year) in Helena. 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 Helena
- 1Research the Helena market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $286,640 to $355,828, 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 Helena, 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 Helena for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Helena'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 Helena is $390,996 ( 136.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $286,640, experienced hygienists can earn up to $677,636.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$241,615
2025 BLS Actual
$272,990
2026 Current Est.
$286,640
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Helena (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $241,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $237,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $244,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,339 | Actual |
| 2025 | $272,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $286,640 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $300,971 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Helena, MT grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $241,615 in 2021 to $272,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $300,971. New graduates entering the Helena job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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 Helena
In Helena, several healthcare employers actively recruit entry-level radiologists, creating diverse opportunities for new graduates. Academic medical centers are attractive environments, offering comprehensive subspecialty training and pipelines for fellowship opportunities. Large private practices often hire from residency programs, providing a structured path that may last 2-3 years before potential partnership. Additionally, teleradiology firms are appealing for those seeking a more flexible, remote-first lifestyle but typically require fellowship training. To enhance their starting salaries and career prospects in Montana, new radiologists should focus on achieving ABR board certification and consider completing 1-2 year subspecialty fellowships. Moreover, understanding the bifurcation in the radiology sector is essential; as the market has evolved due to private equity acquisitions, the partnership tracks and payment models have shifted. In these first few years, newcomers can realistically expect steady salary growth as they navigate through this transitional period in their careers.
More salary data for Helena, 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 Helena. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Helena 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