Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Bellevue, NE: $259,181 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Bellevue, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $259,181 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bellevue's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $283,258 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($446,864) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into radiology positions in Bellevue, Nebraska, can expect starting salaries around $259,181. This entry-level radiologist salary is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $446,864, illustrating the gap that new professionals face as they begin their careers. However, there is a promising growth trajectory within the first few years, as early-career radiologists can realistically anticipate moving up to around $321,742, and potentially to the median salary as they gain experience and expertise. Bellevue currently presents a favorable market for emerging professionals in the field, particularly with the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, suggesting a healthy demand for radiology services that could enhance compensation over time.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bellevue
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 Bellevue
Entry-level radiologists in Bellevue, NE typically start between $259,181 and $321,742 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $380,644 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $446,864 — 1.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Nebraska of $240,000 represents just 92.60% of the starting radiologist pay ($259,181/year) in Bellevue. 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 Bellevue
- 1Research the Bellevue market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $259,181 to $321,742, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bellevue, 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 Bellevue for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bellevue'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 Bellevue is $380,644 ( 146.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $259,181, experienced hygienists can earn up to $639,825.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$218,470
2025 BLS Actual
$246,839
2026 Current Est.
$259,181
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Bellevue (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $218,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $215,114 | Actual |
| 2023 | $221,187 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,434 | Actual |
| 2025 | $246,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $259,181 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $272,140 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bellevue, NE grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $218,470 in 2021 to $246,839 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $272,140. New graduates entering the Bellevue job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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 Bellevue
When considering career opportunities in Bellevue, new graduates should look to academic medical centers and large private practices, which frequently hire from residency, providing a clear path toward partnership in 2-3 years. Depending on qualifications, including an MD or DO, a completed diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification, starting pay can vary. Other factors, such as fellowship training in subspecialties, will further position candidates for higher salaries. The landscape of employment has seen increasing shifts since 2018 due to private equity acquisitions of radiology groups, influencing both partnership tracks and pay structures. In this context, it’s vital for emerging radiologists to strategize their early careers. Realistic salary growth expectations could see new grads moving up significantly within the first three years, primarily influenced by their choice of employment—whether it be private partnerships or hospital-based roles—as well as their specialized training and continuing education.
More salary data for Bellevue, NE:
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 Bellevue. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bellevue 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