Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lima, OH: $228,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lima, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $228,677 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lima's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,125 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($394,272) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Lima, Ohio, the 2026 entry-level radiologist salary is projected at $228,677, significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $394,272. This disparity highlights the common income gap between starting positions and more experienced roles in the profession. Fresh radiologists can expect some upward mobility as they progress, with initial salaries potentially rising to about $283,876 within a few years. Lima presents an appealing market for new graduates, especially considering its lower-than-average cost of living index at 90.7, which can make these entry-level positions more financially viable. Graduates should align their expectations accordingly and be prepared for a gradual increase in their earnings as they transition into more senior roles.
About the Lima Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($375,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lima
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 Lima
Entry-level radiologists in Lima, OH typically start between $228,677 and $283,876 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $293,271 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $394,272 — 10.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Ohio of $280,000 represents just 122.44% of the starting radiologist pay ($228,677/year) in Lima. 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 Lima
- 1Research the Lima market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $228,677 to $283,876, 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 Lima, 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 Lima for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lima'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 Lima is $293,271 ( 128.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $228,677, experienced hygienists can earn up to $521,948.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$192,757
2025 BLS Actual
$217,788
2026 Current Est.
$228,677
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Lima (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $192,757 | Actual |
| 2022 | $189,797 | Actual |
| 2023 | $195,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $194,056 | Actual |
| 2025 | $217,788 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $228,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $240,111 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lima, OH grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $192,757 in 2021 to $217,788 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $240,111. New graduates entering the Lima job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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 Lima
In Lima, several employers actively recruit entry-level radiologists, providing diverse opportunities for new graduates. Academic medical centers often offer a variety of subspecialties and a clear pathway to further fellowship training, while large private practices typically hire new MDs or DOs fresh out of their residencies, setting them on a path to partnership after 2-3 years. Remote-first teleradiology companies also provide positions that appeal to those seeking flexibility. To enhance starting pay, candidates should focus on obtaining board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR), which, along with completing a diagnostic radiology residency, solidifies a radiologist's credentials. Additionally, pursuing fellowship training in subspecialties can significantly augment earning potential, particularly as the field becomes increasingly polarized between private practices and hospital employment. In the first three years, it is realistic for a new grad radiologist in Lima to see salary growth that aligns with industry trends, alongside a broader context impacted by private equity acquisitions of radiology groups altering traditional partnership tracks.
More salary data for Lima, 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 Lima. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lima 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