Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Knoxville, TN: $259,630 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Knoxville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $259,630 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Knoxville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $282,821 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($447,638) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking opportunities in radiology, Knoxville offers a promising start despite the initial salary levels. The entry-level radiologist salary in Knoxville is projected at $259,630 in 2026, which sits below the city’s median annual salary of $447,638. While this initial pay represents a substantial starting point, it highlights the journey ahead, as new radiologists can expect to see growth from the P10 value to approximately $322,300 within their first few years. With the industry seeing a steady annual growth rate of 5.00%, this city shows potential for recent grads looking to establish themselves in the field. Knoxville’s relatively lower cost of living index (91.8), when combined with its healthcare market dynamics, creates a favorable environment for early-career radiologists.
About the Knoxville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Knoxville
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 Knoxville
Entry-level radiologists in Knoxville, TN typically start between $259,630 and $322,300 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $403,107 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $447,638 — 1.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Tennessee of $260,000 represents just 100.14% of the starting radiologist pay ($259,630/year) in Knoxville. 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 Knoxville
- 1Research the Knoxville market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $259,630 to $322,300, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Knoxville'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 Knoxville is $403,107 ( 155.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $259,630, experienced hygienists can earn up to $662,737.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$218,848
2025 BLS Actual
$247,267
2026 Current Est.
$259,630
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Knoxville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $218,848 | Actual |
| 2022 | $215,487 | Actual |
| 2023 | $221,571 | Actual |
| 2024 | $194,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $247,267 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $259,630 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $272,612 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Knoxville, TN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $218,848 in 2021 to $247,267 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $272,612. New graduates entering the Knoxville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Knoxville 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 Knoxville
In Knoxville, several key employers regularly hire newly minted radiologists, enhancing the route to career advancement. Academic medical centers provide abundant opportunities for subspecialty training and fellowship pipelines, while large private groups often recruit residents for W-2 employment, enabling them to climb the partnership track over a 2 to 3-year period. Those interested in remote work may also consider teleradiology firms, which typically seek fellowship-trained radiologists. To boost starting pay in TN, candidates should focus on obtaining ABR board certification, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and considering optional subspecialty fellowships. As the market has shifted since 2018 with the rise of private equity acquiring radiology practices, the distinction between W-2 employment and private partnerships has become prominent, leading to broader discrepancies in earning potential. Newly licensed radiologists can realistically expect their salaries to rise steadily within the first three years, depending on their specific practice environment and commitment to continuous education and professional growth.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
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 Knoxville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Knoxville 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