Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Niagara Falls, NY: $292,652 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Niagara Falls, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $292,652 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Niagara Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,504 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($504,571) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The entry-level radiologist salary in Niagara Falls, NY, presents a promising pathway for recent graduates as they embark on their careers. For those just starting out, the projected salary at the 10th percentile is $292,652, while the median annual salary in the city stands at $504,571. This creates a significant gap for new grads, but the upward trajectory is notable; many can expect to progress from $292,652 to $363,292 within three to five years, aligning more closely with the city’s median. The consistent growth rate of 5.00% for the field suggests that Niagara Falls is currently a favorable market for burgeoning radiologists, offering a competitive starting point that exceeds the national median of $441,903 by 14.18%.
About the Niagara Falls Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($400,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Niagara Falls
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 Niagara Falls
Entry-level radiologists in Niagara Falls, NY typically start between $292,652 and $363,292 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $376,801 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $504,571 — 14.18% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in New York of $380,000 represents just 129.85% of the starting radiologist pay ($292,652/year) in Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls
- 1Research the Niagara Falls market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $292,652 to $363,292, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Niagara Falls's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Niagara Falls is $376,801 ( 128.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $292,652, experienced hygienists can earn up to $669,453.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$246,683
2025 BLS Actual
$278,716
2026 Current Est.
$292,652
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Niagara Falls (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $246,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $242,894 | Actual |
| 2023 | $249,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $264,901 | Actual |
| 2025 | $278,716 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $292,652 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $307,284 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Niagara Falls, NY grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $246,683 in 2021 to $278,716 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $307,284. New graduates entering the Niagara Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls
Hiring entities in Niagara Falls that are open to newcomers in the radiology field often include academic medical centers and large private partnerships, which present different paths for career advancement. Graduates should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials, such as an MD or DO, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, ABR board certification, and possibly additional subspecialty fellowships. These credentials not only enhance employability but can also significantly increase starting pay in NY. In the critical first few years, new radiologists should acknowledge the dichotomy between private practice and hospital employment, with expectations for earnings potentially spanning up to $700,000 for subspecialties like interventional radiology. With increasing opportunities and evolving ownership structures in the sector, the right combination of quality training and strategic choices can lead to favorable salary growth within the local market.
More salary data for Niagara Falls, NY:
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 Niagara Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Niagara Falls 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