Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Rochester, NH: $308,057 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Rochester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $308,057 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rochester's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $287,099 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($531,133) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester, New Hampshire, the path for new graduates entering the radiology field presents promising financial opportunities. The entry-level radiologist salary in Rochester is projected at $308,057 for 2026, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $531,133. However, there is a clear growth trajectory for newly licensed radiologists, with salaries expected to rise to $382,416 at the 25th percentile, and then potentially reach the median within a few years as they gain experience and increase their value in the market. Given the anticipated 5.00% annual growth rate, Rochester currently represents a solid, yet competitive market for new graduate radiologists, making it an encouraging setting for those starting their careers.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($385,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rochester
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 Rochester
Entry-level radiologists in Rochester, NH typically start between $308,057 and $382,416 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $425,489 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $531,133 — 20.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in New Hampshire of $350,000 represents just 113.62% of the starting radiologist pay ($308,057/year) in Rochester. 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 Rochester
- 1Research the Rochester market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $308,057 to $382,416, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rochester, 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 Rochester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rochester'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 Rochester is $425,489 ( 138.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $308,057, experienced hygienists can earn up to $733,546.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$259,669
2025 BLS Actual
$293,388
2026 Current Est.
$308,057
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Rochester (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $259,669 | Actual |
| 2022 | $255,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $262,899 | Actual |
| 2024 | $230,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $293,388 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $308,057 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $323,460 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Rochester, NH grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $259,669 in 2021 to $293,388 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $323,460. New graduates entering the Rochester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
Employers in Rochester actively seek newly minted radiologists, offering a diverse range of opportunities. Major academic medical centers often hire fresh graduates, providing them access to subspecialty training and fellowship programs that enhance their credentials and earning potential. Large private radiology partnerships are another viable option, typically hiring residents ready to launch their careers, with a future trajectory that can lead to partnership in just 2-3 years. For those interested in a remote-first lifestyle, teleradiology firms seek fellowship-trained radiologists. Essential credentials for optimizing entry-level earnings include an MD or DO degree, diagnostic radiology residency, ABR board certification, and potentially additional fellowship training. In the first few years, radiologists can generally expect salary growth as they transition into clinical practice, with entry-level wages gradually escalating toward higher compensation levels typical of private partnerships or specialized fields, where earnings can exceed $700,000.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Rochester in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Rochester?
Is radiology school worth it in Rochester?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Rochester?
How do I become a radiologist in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Rochester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rochester 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