Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Cleveland, OH: $247,596 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Cleveland, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $247,596 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleveland's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $272,983 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($426,890) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting in Cleveland as an entry-level radiologist offers a promising salary trajectory, with initial compensation estimated at $247,596 in 2026. While this figure does not approach the city’s median annual salary of $426,890, new graduates can expect a growth path that leads to a more substantial income within their first few years. Entering the field at this salary provides a realistic expectation for new radiologists, particularly as they advance to the 25th percentile earnings of $307,361, which reflects the potential for salary increases as they develop skills and gain experience. Overall, Cleveland’s healthcare market indicates a supportive environment for recent graduates, with an upward growth of approximately 5.00% annually, setting the stage for a successful career in radiology.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($375,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cleveland
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 Cleveland
Entry-level radiologists in Cleveland, OH typically start between $247,596 and $307,361 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $364,357 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $426,890 — 3.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Ohio of $280,000 represents just 113.09% of the starting radiologist pay ($247,596/year) in Cleveland. 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 Cleveland
- 1Research the Cleveland market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $247,596 to $307,361, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cleveland'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 Cleveland is $364,357 ( 147.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $247,596, experienced hygienists can earn up to $611,953.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$208,705
2025 BLS Actual
$235,806
2026 Current Est.
$247,596
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Cleveland (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $208,705 | Actual |
| 2022 | $205,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $211,301 | Actual |
| 2024 | $210,111 | Actual |
| 2025 | $235,806 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $247,596 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $259,976 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cleveland, OH grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $208,705 in 2021 to $235,806 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $259,976. New graduates entering the Cleveland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Employers in Cleveland looking to hire new graduate radiologists typically include academic medical centers, which not only provide a diverse range of subspecialty options but also robust fellowship pipelines for ongoing education. Additionally, large private practice partnerships prefer candidates from residency programs and often aim to develop them over a two- to three-year trajectory toward partnership. Teleradiology firms are also increasingly popular, offering flexibility with positions that cater to fellowship-trained radiologists seeking remote work. Valuable credentials, such as an MD or DO, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, ABR board certification, and potential fellowships can enhance starting salaries. In the first few years, early-career professionals can anticipate realistic salary growth as they distinguish themselves either within hospital W-2 employment or aspire towards lucrative private practice opportunities. Understanding these dynamics will allow new graduates to strategically position themselves for long-term success in a competitive field.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
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 Cleveland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleveland 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