Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Huron, SD: $219,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Huron, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $219,349 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $236,367 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($378,188) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The starting radiologist salary in Huron, SD, for new graduates in 2026 is projected at $219,349, which sits on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the city's median salary of $378,188. This means entry-level positions may feel underwhelming, especially considering the total compensation could represent over a 40% gap from the city average. However, over the first few years of practice, there is room for growth, with potential increases bringing new graduates to approximately $272,295 within a few years and enabling gradual progression to the median. Huron presents itself as an intriguing market for new graduates, particularly for those who are willing to pursue opportunities that gradually build experience and leverage the city's unique medical landscape.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huron
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 Huron
Entry-level radiologists in Huron, SD typically start between $219,349 and $272,295 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $278,791 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $378,188 — 14.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in South Dakota of $245,000 represents just 111.69% of the starting radiologist pay ($219,349/year) in Huron. 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 Huron
- 1Research the Huron market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $219,349 to $272,295, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Huron, 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 Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huron'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 Huron is $278,791 ( 127.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $219,349, experienced hygienists can earn up to $498,140.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$184,894
2025 BLS Actual
$208,904
2026 Current Est.
$219,349
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Huron (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $184,894 | Actual |
| 2022 | $182,055 | Actual |
| 2023 | $187,195 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,213 | Actual |
| 2025 | $208,904 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $219,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $230,317 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Huron, SD grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $184,894 in 2021 to $208,904 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $230,317. New graduates entering the Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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 Huron
In Huron, employers that actively consider recent graduates include local hospitals and potentially some private practices, though most available positions would typically require recent residency completion and strong credentials such as an MD or DO degree and ABR board certification. New grads should remain focused on continuous education and consider optional fellowship training, especially in specialty areas, as these factors can enhance starting pay substantially. In the first one to three years, strategic choices about employment settings will significantly impact earnings; while W-2 hospital employment may start lower, private partnerships could lead to higher long-term earnings. Given the evolving radiology market—where private equity has altered traditional paths—new radiologists must stay informed about basic compensation structures and growth trajectories to maximize their income potential effectively.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Huron in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Huron?
Is radiology school worth it in Huron?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Huron?
How do I become a radiologist in South Dakota?
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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 Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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