Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Scranton, PA: $252,314 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Scranton, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $252,314 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scranton's local price level (BEA RPP 97.4 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $259,049 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($435,024) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the radiology field in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the starting salary reflects a promising yet challenging landscape. Newly-graduated radiologists can expect to earn around $252,314 annually, which significantly trails the overall city median salary of $435,024. However, early-career professionals should remain optimistic about their salary trajectory, as entry-level salaries can rise to approximately $313,217 within the first few years of practice, reflecting industry growth and demand. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Scranton offers a reasonably good market for new graduates. They can expect to see increments as they gain experience and work towards the median salary, making the region viable for thinking long-term.
About the Scranton Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($385,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scranton
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 Scranton
Entry-level radiologists in Scranton, PA typically start between $252,314 and $313,217 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $348,425 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $435,024 — 1.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Pennsylvania of $370,000 represents just 146.64% of the starting radiologist pay ($252,314/year) in Scranton. 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 Scranton
- 1Research the Scranton market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $252,314 to $313,217, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scranton, 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 Scranton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scranton'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 Scranton is $348,425 ( 138.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $252,314, experienced hygienists can earn up to $600,739.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$212,681
2025 BLS Actual
$240,299
2026 Current Est.
$252,314
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Scranton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $212,681 | Actual |
| 2022 | $209,415 | Actual |
| 2023 | $215,327 | Actual |
| 2024 | $219,823 | Actual |
| 2025 | $240,299 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $252,314 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $264,930 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Scranton, PA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $212,681 in 2021 to $240,299 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $264,930. New graduates entering the Scranton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
In Scranton, various employers are actively seeking to hire new graduate radiologists, each presenting unique opportunities and paths for career development. Academic medical centers in the area are ideal for newcomers, offering a breadth of subspecialty training and potential fellowship programs that can further enhance earning potential. On the other hand, large private radiology groups typically hire residents transitioning to their first jobs; these positions can lead to a partnership track, with earnings ranging between $400,000 and $550,000 upon becoming established. Continuing education is also vital; obtaining board certification from the ABR and pursuing optional fellowships can help elevate starting pay in Pennsylvania. Understanding the current division in the industry—between private partnerships and hospital-employed roles—oriented towards RVU productivity models is crucial for first-year radiologists to effectively strategize their growth. In these initial years, they should aim for a consistent review of their performance against peers to maximize income potential and navigate the evolving dynamics of the profession in Scranton.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Scranton in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Scranton?
Is radiology school worth it in Scranton?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Scranton?
How do I become a radiologist in Pennsylvania?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Scranton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scranton 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