Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Gallup, NM: $224,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Gallup, NM job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $224,950 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gallup's local price level (BEA RPP 94.4 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $238,294 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($387,845) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new radiology graduates eager to start their careers in Gallup, NM, the entry-level radiologist salary presents both challenges and opportunities. Projected for 2026, entry-level salaries begin at around $224,950, establishing a notable gap from the local median salary of $387,845. Graduates can expect a growth trajectory where, over the first three to five years, their earnings may rise toward the $279,249 mark at the 25th percentile and approach the median as they accumulate experience. This gradual increase reflects a healthy 5.00% annual growth rate, indicating a favorable outlook for new graduates entering the field. Overall, Gallup may offer a competitive market, albeit slightly below the national average, making it a viable choice for new professionals amidst various employment opportunities.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($350,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gallup
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 Gallup
Entry-level radiologists in Gallup, NM typically start between $224,950 and $279,249 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $291,742 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $387,845 — 12.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in New Mexico of $225,000 represents just 100.02% of the starting radiologist pay ($224,950/year) in Gallup. 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 Gallup
- 1Research the Gallup market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $224,950 to $279,249, 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 NM often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Gallup, 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 Gallup for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gallup'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 Gallup is $291,742 ( 129.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $224,950, experienced hygienists can earn up to $516,692.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$189,615
2025 BLS Actual
$214,238
2026 Current Est.
$224,950
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Gallup (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $189,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $186,703 | Actual |
| 2023 | $191,974 | Actual |
| 2024 | $178,167 | Actual |
| 2025 | $214,238 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $224,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $236,197 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Gallup, NM grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $189,615 in 2021 to $214,238 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $236,197. New graduates entering the Gallup job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallup 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 Gallup
Employers in Gallup looking to hire newly graduated radiologists include both academic medical centers and private practices, each offering unique paths for growth. Academic institutions provide a breadth of subspecialty training and often lay the groundwork for fellowship opportunities, while large private partnerships typically seek residents nearing graduation for a pathway into ownership positions in a few years. Credentialing plays a vital role in initial compensation. Holding an MD or DO, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification positions candidates favorably, especially when considering optional fellowships that can boost entry-level pay. In the first few years, radiologists can anticipate varied salary growth, with early-career earnings heavily influenced by whether they choose to enter private practice, hospital employment, or subspecialties. As the industry has seen significant shifts due to private equity involvement, understanding the current landscape can help new grads navigate their career strategies effectively within the evolving market.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
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 Gallup. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gallup 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