Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Missoula, MT: $292,715 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Missoula, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $292,715 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Missoula's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $304,278 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($504,681) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in Missoula, MT, the starting pay reflects promising prospects, with the entry-level radiologist salary estimated at $292,715 for 2026. This is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $504,681, indicating a gap that many early-career radiologists can look to bridge rapidly as they advance. Over the first few years in the profession, it is realistic for new graduates to expect salary growth from the initial entry-level figure onward, with potential earnings reaching around $363,370 by the 25th percentile within a few years. Given these favorable salary projections and the city's cost of living index, which sits slightly below the national average at 96.2, Missoula presents a solid market for new grads looking to launch their radiology careers.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Missoula
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 Missoula
Entry-level radiologists in Missoula, MT typically start between $292,715 and $363,370 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $421,252 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $504,681 — 14.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Montana of $240,000 represents just 81.99% of the starting radiologist pay ($292,715/year) in Missoula. 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 Missoula
- 1Research the Missoula market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $292,715 to $363,370, 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 Missoula, 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 Missoula for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Missoula'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 Missoula is $421,252 ( 143.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $292,715, experienced hygienists can earn up to $713,967.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$246,736
2025 BLS Actual
$278,776
2026 Current Est.
$292,715
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Missoula (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $246,736 | Actual |
| 2022 | $242,946 | Actual |
| 2023 | $249,805 | Actual |
| 2024 | $188,247 | Actual |
| 2025 | $278,776 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $292,715 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $307,351 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Missoula, MT grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $246,736 in 2021 to $278,776 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $307,351. New graduates entering the Missoula job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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 Missoula
In Missoula, several key employers actively seek newly graduated radiologists, providing opportunities for fresh entrants into the field. Academic medical centers are valuable for those aspiring to develop subspecialty expertise or pursue fellowship training, while large private partnerships often hire from residency programs, featuring structured pathways to eventual partnership status. Teleradiology firms also create remote work opportunities, appealing to professionals seeking flexibility. For entry-level salaries in Montana, obtaining vital credentials enhances earning potential; achieving ABR board certification and considering additional fellowship training can substantially impact starting compensation. In the industry, a typical career strategy in the first three years involves assessing options between private practice partnerships averaging $500,000 to $700,000, versus hospital employment roles typically offering $400,000 to $550,000. As radiology evolves with private equity involvement in acquisitions, understanding the shifting dynamics around partnerships remains essential for new graduates to align their career trajectories appropriately.
More salary data for Missoula, 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 Missoula. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Missoula 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