Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Nashville, TN: $279,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Nashville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $279,655 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nashville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $304,635 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($482,163) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

A new graduate radiologist in Nashville, TN, can expect a starting salary around $279,655 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $482,163. This gap of nearly $200,000 highlights the financial growth potential in the field; entry-level professionals can anticipate a trajectory that leads to higher earnings as they accumulate experience and skill. Over the first three to five years, salaries typically rise, moving from the entry-level range toward the $347,157 mark that represents the 25th percentile. Overall, with the expected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Nashville presents an appealing market for new radiology graduates who are looking to build fruitful careers in a city where the demand for healthcare professionals continues to expand.
About the Nashville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nashville
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 Nashville
Entry-level radiologists in Nashville, TN typically start between $279,655 and $347,157 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $412,018 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $482,163 — 9.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Tennessee of $260,000 represents just 92.97% of the starting radiologist pay ($279,655/year) in Nashville. 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 Nashville
- 1Research the Nashville market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $279,655 to $347,157, 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 Nashville, 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 Nashville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nashville'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 Nashville is $412,018 ( 147.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $279,655, experienced hygienists can earn up to $691,673.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$235,728
2025 BLS Actual
$266,338
2026 Current Est.
$279,655
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Nashville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $235,728 | Actual |
| 2022 | $232,107 | Actual |
| 2023 | $238,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $209,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $266,338 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $279,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $293,638 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Nashville, TN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $235,728 in 2021 to $266,338 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $293,638. New graduates entering the Nashville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nashville 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 Nashville
In Nashville, several key employers hire entry-level radiologists, offering a diverse range of career pathways. Academic medical centers are strong contenders, providing comprehensive training and fellowship opportunities that facilitate subspecialization. Meanwhile, large private radiology partnerships often recruit directly from residency programs, leading to career tracks that can culminate in partnership after just a few years. Teleradiology firms are also increasingly attractive for young professionals seeking a more flexible lifestyle. To enhance starting salaries, candidates should focus on obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification. Focusing on continuous learning and potentially pursuing subspecialty fellowships can also add significant value. Given the bifurcated nature of the radiology field, with significant distinctions between private practice and hospital employment, new grads should plan an informed strategy that considers how the evolving acquisitions of radiology groups will affect their long-term partnership prospects. As salaries typically increase steadily in the first three years, a well-executed career strategy will ideally position new graduates for robust financial growth.
More salary data for Nashville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Nashville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nashville 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