Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Vermillion, SD: $219,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Vermillion, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $219,688 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vermillion's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $236,733 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($378,774) 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 Vermillion, South Dakota can realistically expect starting salaries around $219,688, which is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $378,774. For those beginning their careers here, this gap highlights the importance of establishing a strong foundation to elevate future earning potential. As entry-level radiologists gain experience, they can anticipate gradual salary progression, moving from the P25 figure of $272,718 and ideally progressing towards the median as they complete their first three to five years in the profession. Given the local market dynamics and a projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Vermillion presents a stable yet challenging environment for recent graduates in radiology.
About the Vermillion Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vermillion
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 Vermillion
Entry-level radiologists in Vermillion, SD typically start between $219,688 and $272,718 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $280,306 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $378,774 — 14.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in South Dakota of $245,000 represents just 111.52% of the starting radiologist pay ($219,688/year) in Vermillion. 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 Vermillion
- 1Research the Vermillion market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $219,688 to $272,718, 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 Vermillion, 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 Vermillion for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Vermillion'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 Vermillion is $280,306 ( 127.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $219,688, experienced hygienists can earn up to $499,994.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$185,180
2025 BLS Actual
$209,227
2026 Current Est.
$219,688
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Vermillion (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $185,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $182,336 | Actual |
| 2023 | $187,484 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $209,227 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $219,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $230,673 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Vermillion, SD grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $185,180 in 2021 to $209,227 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $230,673. New graduates entering the Vermillion job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vermillion 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 Vermillion
Employers in Vermillion that hire entry-level radiologists include local hospitals and private practices, which often appreciate candidates who have completed a diagnostic radiology residency and have plans for ABR board certification. Engaging in continuing education and potential fellowship training can provide additional leverage in negotiating starting pay and career advancement, particularly in competitive areas like teleradiology. With radiology's bifurcation into private partnerships and hospital employment models, entry-level radiologists should consider their long-term career strategies carefully—whether pursuing W-2 roles in hospitals or focusing on private partnerships that could yield significantly higher compensation over time. In the first few years of their careers, new grads can expect incremental salary increases as they build their RVU productivity and gain clinical experience, highlighting the importance of strategic job choices and networking within the ACR community to navigate their first years effectively.
More salary data for Vermillion, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Vermillion in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Vermillion?
Is radiology school worth it in Vermillion?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Vermillion?
How do I become a radiologist in South Dakota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Vermillion. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vermillion 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