Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Forest Grove, OR: $316,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Forest Grove, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $316,020 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Forest Grove's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $308,012 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($544,862) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates seeking entry-level positions as radiologists in Forest Grove, Oregon, can expect starting salaries around $316,020, with realistic prospects nudging closer to $392,301 as they gain experience during their first few years. While this starting rate is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $544,862, it offers a solid foundation for recent graduates to build their careers. Over time, with consistent professional growth, entry-level radiologists can anticipate moving toward the median salary as they develop their skills and professional networks in the field. Overall, Forest Grove presents a viable market for new radiologists, with prospects for upward salary growth and stability.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($385,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Forest Grove
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 Forest Grove
Entry-level radiologists in Forest Grove, OR typically start between $316,020 and $392,301 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $417,883 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $544,862 — 23.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Oregon of $300,000 represents just 94.93% of the starting radiologist pay ($316,020/year) in Forest Grove. 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 Forest Grove
- 1Research the Forest Grove market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $316,020 to $392,301, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Forest Grove, 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 Forest Grove for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Forest Grove's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Forest Grove is $417,883 ( 132.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $316,020, experienced hygienists can earn up to $733,903.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$266,380
2025 BLS Actual
$300,971
2026 Current Est.
$316,020
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Forest Grove (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $266,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $262,289 | Actual |
| 2023 | $269,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $223,682 | Actual |
| 2025 | $300,971 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $316,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $331,821 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Forest Grove, OR grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $266,380 in 2021 to $300,971 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $331,821. New graduates entering the Forest Grove job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove
Employment opportunities for entry-level radiologists in Forest Grove primarily arise from local academic medical centers, large private partnerships, and teleradiology companies. Academic institutions often hire new graduates, providing exposure to diverse subspecialties along with potential fellowship pathways. In contrast, large private partnerships tend to recruit fresh graduates directly from residency, with typical salary trajectories leading to partner status after 2-3 years. Candidates who pursue additional training, such as a 1-2 year subspecialty fellowship, may enhance their qualifications and starting radiologist salaries in Oregon, increasing their marketability. The current environment shows a stark division between private practice and hospital employment models. Newly minted radiologists can expect variable growth in compensation, depending on their chosen career path and the evolving dynamics influenced by private equity acquisitions of radiology groups, which have reshaped partnership tracks since 2018.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Forest Grove in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Forest Grove?
Is radiology school worth it in Forest Grove?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Forest Grove?
How do I become a radiologist in Oregon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Forest Grove. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Forest Grove 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