Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Spearfish, SD: $228,060 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Spearfish, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $228,060 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Spearfish's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $245,754 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($393,206) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiology in Spearfish, South Dakota, can expect starting salaries around $228,060, reflecting the lower end of the entry-level spectrum. This figure is significantly below the median annual salary of $393,206 for radiologists in the area, revealing a considerable gap that new radiologists may have to navigate initially. However, there is potential for salary growth over their first few years in practice, with opportunities to increase earnings from $283,108 at the 25th percentile to the local median as they gain experience and develop their skills. For newly minted radiologists in Spearfish, the market is currently favorable, with competitive pay structures and a growing demand for diagnostic imaging services.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Spearfish
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 Spearfish
Entry-level radiologists in Spearfish, SD typically start between $228,060 and $283,108 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $281,700 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $393,206 — 11.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in South Dakota of $245,000 represents just 107.43% of the starting radiologist pay ($228,060/year) in Spearfish. 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 Spearfish
- 1Research the Spearfish market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $228,060 to $283,108, 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 Spearfish, 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 Spearfish for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Spearfish'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 Spearfish is $281,700 ( 123.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $228,060, experienced hygienists can earn up to $509,760.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$192,237
2025 BLS Actual
$217,200
2026 Current Est.
$228,060
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Spearfish (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $192,237 | Actual |
| 2022 | $189,284 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,628 | Actual |
| 2024 | $183,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $217,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $228,060 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $239,463 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Spearfish, SD grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $192,237 in 2021 to $217,200 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $239,463. New graduates entering the Spearfish job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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 Spearfish
As for employment opportunities, several healthcare facilities in Spearfish are open to hiring new graduates, particularly those with a solid foundation in diagnostic radiology. Academic medical centers often provide a broad spectrum of subspecialty training and fellowship pipelines, while larger private partnerships offer avenues toward partnership tracks after gaining experience in the field. For those interested in a more flexible lifestyle, teleradiology firms hire fellowship-trained radiologists, allowing them to work remotely. To maximize starting compensation, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification are crucial. With radiology increasingly bifurcating into differing practices—ranging from partnerships to hospital employment—new graduates should consider their career strategy carefully in the first few years. A clear understanding of the evolving landscape will also help set realistic salary growth expectations throughout their initial years in this career in Spearfish, SD.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
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 Spearfish. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Spearfish 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