Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Fairfield, OH: $223,266 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Fairfield, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $223,266 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fairfield's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $246,159 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($384,941) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Fairfield, Ohio, the initial pay can be modest compared to the city’s median of $384,941. An entry-level radiologist can expect a starting salary around $223,266, which highlights a significant gap for those just beginning their careers. Over the first few years, salaries can progress from this entry-level figure to approximately $277,157 by the 25th percentile, eventually aligning closer to the median as practitioners gain experience and establish their expertise. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, the Fairfield market presents a decent opportunity for newcomers, especially when considering the stability and demand for radiology as part of healthcare services.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($375,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fairfield
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 Fairfield
Entry-level radiologists in Fairfield, OH typically start between $223,266 and $277,157 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $319,367 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $384,941 — 12.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Ohio of $280,000 represents just 125.41% of the starting radiologist pay ($223,266/year) in Fairfield. 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 Fairfield
- 1Research the Fairfield market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $223,266 to $277,157, 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fairfield'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 Fairfield is $319,367 ( 143.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $223,266, experienced hygienists can earn up to $542,633.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$188,196
2025 BLS Actual
$212,634
2026 Current Est.
$223,266
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Fairfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $188,196 | Actual |
| 2022 | $185,305 | Actual |
| 2023 | $190,537 | Actual |
| 2024 | $189,464 | Actual |
| 2025 | $212,634 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $223,266 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $234,429 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fairfield, OH grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $188,196 in 2021 to $212,634 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $234,429. New graduates entering the Fairfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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 Fairfield
New graduates in Fairfield can find promising employment opportunities at various institutions that value fresh talent. Academic medical centers often provide a rich environment for early-career radiologists, offering exposure to diverse subspecialties and pathways into fellowship training. Large private radiology partnerships typically hire directly from residency programs and may provide a clearer path to partnership within two to three years, yielding potential earnings in a higher bracket over time. Continuing professional development, such as obtaining board certification through the ABR and considering fellowship training, can enhance earning potential from the start, as might securing DEA registration. It's also crucial to understand the emerging division within the field, where radiologists face choices between hospital employment (often offering steady salaries in the $400k-$550k range) versus opportunities in private equity-backed groups aiming for substantial growth. With realistic fiscal expectations, first-year salaries might improve steadily, setting a strong foundation for financial growth in radiology.
More salary data for Fairfield, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Fairfield in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Fairfield?
Is radiology school worth it in Fairfield?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Fairfield?
How do I become a radiologist in Ohio?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Fairfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairfield 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