Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Bismarck, ND: $221,771 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Bismarck, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $221,771 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bismarck's local price level (BEA RPP 91.0 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $243,640 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($580,797) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bismarck, North Dakota, those starting their careers in radiology can expect to earn an entry-level radiologist salary of around $221,771 in 2026. While this figure might seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $580,797, it is essential for new graduates to maintain realistic expectations during their initial years in the profession. The growth trajectory from entry-level positions to the median salary within the first few years can be promising, offering a pathway towards greater earnings. In fact, the evolving healthcare landscape and a projected annual growth rate of 5.00% suggest that early-career radiologists in Bismarck will have opportunities to significantly boost their pay as they gain experience and build their practice.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bismarck
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 Bismarck
Entry-level radiologists in Bismarck, ND typically start between $221,771 and $580,797 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $611,646 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $580,797 — 31.43% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in North Dakota of $230,000 represents just 103.71% of the starting radiologist pay ($221,771/year) in Bismarck. 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 Bismarck
- 1Research the Bismarck market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $221,771 to $580,797, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bismarck'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 Bismarck is $611,646 ( 275.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $221,771, experienced hygienists can earn up to $833,417.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$186,935
2025 BLS Actual
$211,210
2026 Current Est.
$221,771
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Bismarck (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $186,935 | Actual |
| 2022 | $184,064 | Actual |
| 2023 | $189,261 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,976 | Actual |
| 2025 | $211,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $221,771 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $232,859 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bismarck, ND grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $186,935 in 2021 to $211,210 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $232,859. New graduates entering the Bismarck job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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 Bismarck
Several prominent employers in Bismarck actively recruit new grad radiologists, including academic medical centers that provide a range of subspecialty opportunities and fellowship programs for recent graduates. Large private partnerships often hire residents directly into their practices, with a pathway to partner in as little as two to three years while teleradiology firms offer a remote-first lifestyle that appeals to many. To enhance starting pay in North Dakota, aspiring radiologists should aim for credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, ABR board certification, and optional subspecialty fellowships, which can add considerable value to their profiles. As the industry has bifurcated into private partnerships versus hospital-based employment models, salary growth in the initial years tends to vary. Radiologists in private settings may achieve substantial financial goals, especially in the context of recent shifts in partnership tracks influenced by private equity acquisitions. Understanding these dynamics can give new graduates the insights needed to navigate their early careers effectively.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 Bismarck. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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