Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $237,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Grand Forks, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $237,130 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grand Forks's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $257,750 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($408,845) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Grand Forks, ND, the entry-level radiologist salary is projected to begin at around $237,130 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $408,845 for established radiologists, highlighting a significant gap for new graduates as they embark on their careers. Over roughly the first three to five years, new radiologists can expect their earnings to increase, potentially reaching around $294,369 at the 25th percentile and eventually moving toward the city median. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare market and the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Grand Forks could be an appealing city for new grads looking to enter the field and build their careers.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($365,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks
Entry-level radiologists in Grand Forks, ND typically start between $237,130 and $294,369 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $323,270 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $408,845 — 7.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in North Dakota of $230,000 represents just 96.99% of the starting radiologist pay ($237,130/year) in Grand Forks. 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 Grand Forks
- 1Research the Grand Forks market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $237,130 to $294,369, 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 Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grand Forks'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 Grand Forks is $323,270 ( 136.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $237,130, experienced hygienists can earn up to $560,400.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$199,882
2025 BLS Actual
$225,838
2026 Current Est.
$237,130
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Grand Forks (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $199,882 | Actual |
| 2022 | $196,812 | Actual |
| 2023 | $202,369 | Actual |
| 2024 | $195,863 | Actual |
| 2025 | $225,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $237,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $248,986 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Grand Forks, ND grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $199,882 in 2021 to $225,838 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $248,986. New graduates entering the Grand Forks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
When it comes to employment opportunities in Grand Forks, various institutions actively seek newly graduated radiologists. Academic medical centers tend to offer diverse subspecialty training and accessible fellowship opportunities, fostering long-term career progression. Large private practices usually hire residents for a track to partnership that lasts several years, while teleradiology firms often offer remote positions to fellowship-trained radiologists, appealing to those seeking flexibility. To enhance starting pay in North Dakota, new graduates should prioritize earning their MD or DO degree, complete a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and achieve ABR board certification, with some choosing additional fellowship training to stand out. In this evolving market, realistic salary growth in the first few years suggests an upward trajectory toward the median provided one remains engaged with ongoing educational opportunities and networking through organizations like the ACR.
More salary data for Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grand Forks 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