Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Bethany, OK: $215,631 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Bethany, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $215,631 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bethany's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $242,555 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($371,778) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those entering the field of radiology in Bethany, Oklahoma, the expected starting annual salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be $215,631, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $371,778 for all radiologists in the area. This translates to a difference of over $156,000, highlighting the wide salary gap that new radiologists must navigate as they begin their careers. However, there is potential for salary growth in the early years, with estimates suggesting a trajectory that could see initial earnings rise from the entry-level figure through the P25 mark of $267,680, leading steadily toward the city median over the first three to five years. Given this context, Bethany presents a viable market for entry-level radiologists, especially for those committed to developing their expertise in a supportive environment.
About the Bethany Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bethany
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 Bethany
Entry-level radiologists in Bethany, OK typically start between $215,631 and $267,680 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $292,015 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $371,778 — 15.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Oklahoma of $225,000 represents just 104.34% of the starting radiologist pay ($215,631/year) in Bethany. 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 Bethany
- 1Research the Bethany market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $215,631 to $267,680, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bethany, 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 Bethany for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bethany'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 Bethany is $292,015 ( 135.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $215,631, experienced hygienists can earn up to $507,646.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$181,760
2025 BLS Actual
$205,363
2026 Current Est.
$215,631
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Bethany (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $181,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $178,969 | Actual |
| 2023 | $184,021 | Actual |
| 2024 | $168,346 | Actual |
| 2025 | $205,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $215,631 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $226,413 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bethany, OK grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $181,760 in 2021 to $205,363 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $226,413. New graduates entering the Bethany job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethany 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 Bethany
Employers in Bethany actively seeking new grad radiologists often include regional academic medical centers and large private groups that typically favor hiring from residency programs. These institutions provide valuable fellowship opportunities and pathways toward partnership for those who commit to a few years of service. Holding an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification are fundamental credentials that can enhance new grad radiologist pay in OK. Many young radiologists may consider additional subspecialty fellowships to further boost their value in the job market. The recent trend of private equity acquisitions of radiology groups has reshaped the landscape, influencing partnership tracks and compensation structures. Realistic salary growth for new graduates within their first few years in this specific market may see them approach the mid-range with consistent productivity and engagement in continuing medical education, refining their skills in line with industry standards outlined by the ACR.
More salary data for Bethany, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Bethany in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Bethany?
Is radiology school worth it in Bethany?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Bethany?
How do I become a radiologist in Oklahoma?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oklahoma
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 Bethany. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bethany 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