Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in The Dalles, OR: $299,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the The Dalles, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $299,990 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out The Dalles's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $292,388 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($517,225) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates in The Dalles, Oregon, can anticipate starting salaries in the realm of $299,990, which is at the lower end of the salary scale for entry-level radiologists. This figure is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $517,225, highlighting a notable gap. However, as new radiologists advance in their careers, they can expect their salaries to rise significantly, moving from the P10 level toward the P25 marker of $372,401 and eventually nearing the median within a span of three to five years. Given these projections, The Dalles stands as a viable market for fresh graduates, particularly for those who are prepared to build their expertise and establish themselves in a growing field with a promising career trajectory.
About the The Dalles Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($385,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in The Dalles
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 The Dalles
Entry-level radiologists in The Dalles, OR typically start between $299,990 and $372,401 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $402,522 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $517,225 — 17.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Oregon of $300,000 represents just 100.00% of the starting radiologist pay ($299,990/year) in The Dalles. 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 The Dalles
- 1Research the The Dalles market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $299,990 to $372,401, 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 The Dalles, 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 The Dalles for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5The Dalles'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 The Dalles is $402,522 ( 134.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $299,990, experienced hygienists can earn up to $702,512.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$252,869
2025 BLS Actual
$285,705
2026 Current Est.
$299,990
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in The Dalles (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $252,869 | Actual |
| 2022 | $248,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $256,014 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $285,705 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $299,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $314,990 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in The Dalles, OR grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $252,869 in 2021 to $285,705 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $314,990. New graduates entering the The Dalles job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the The Dalles 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 The Dalles
Strategically positioning oneself within the market can enhance initial earning potential significantly. Local healthcare facilities often hire newly minted radiologists from diagnostic radiology residency programs, encompassing larger hospitals and private practices that offer essential mentorship and fellowships. Obtaining board certification through the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and pursuing optional fellowship training can provide new radiologists with an edge in a competitive job market. Radiology careers are increasingly split into distinct tracks — private partnerships can typically yield salaries between $500,000 to $700,000, whereas hospital employment generally offers $400,000 to $550,000. New radiologists should be mindful of these distinctions while also tracking evolving norms in healthcare employment post-acquisition by private equity; as they navigate these early years in their careers, realistic salary growth expectations can range from modest increases initially to more substantial gains as they build experience and clientele in The Dalles, OR.
More salary data for The Dalles, OR:
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 The Dalles. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for The Dalles 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