Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Tullahoma, TN: $236,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Tullahoma, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $236,045 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tullahoma's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $257,130 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($406,975) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Tullahoma presents an interesting landscape for aspiring radiologists entering the workforce in 2026. With an entry-level pay structure starting at approximately $236,045, newly minted radiologists may initially find their salaries below the city’s median of $406,975. This marks a significant gap that early-career physicians should be aware of. However, a growth trajectory is evident in the market, as salaries typically rise from the lower decile to approximately $293,021 within the first few years. For recent graduates aiming for stable employment, Tullahoma’s projected entry-level radiologist salary provides a foundation that can lead toward greater earnings with experience, making it a viable option for those beginning their careers in Tennessee.
About the Tullahoma Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tullahoma
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 Tullahoma
Entry-level radiologists in Tullahoma, TN typically start between $236,045 and $293,021 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $301,420 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $406,975 — 7.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Tennessee of $260,000 represents just 110.15% of the starting radiologist pay ($236,045/year) in Tullahoma. 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 Tullahoma
- 1Research the Tullahoma market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $236,045 to $293,021, 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 Tullahoma, 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 Tullahoma for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tullahoma'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 Tullahoma is $301,420 ( 127.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $236,045, experienced hygienists can earn up to $537,465.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$198,968
2025 BLS Actual
$224,805
2026 Current Est.
$236,045
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Tullahoma (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $198,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,912 | Actual |
| 2023 | $201,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $224,805 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $236,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $247,848 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tullahoma, TN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $198,968 in 2021 to $224,805 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $247,848. New graduates entering the Tullahoma job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tullahoma 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 Tullahoma
Employers in Tullahoma that actively recruit new graduates often include large hospitals and radiology groups, where new hires can benefit from structured mentorship and access to diverse cases. Academic medical centers offer extensive fellowship programs, giving recent graduates the opportunity to specialize further. In contrast, private radiology partnerships may require a few years of employment post-residency before candidates can be considered for higher-paying equity stakes. To optimize their starting pay, new physicians should seek board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and consider additional fellowships that align with their career goals. Given the current trends in the radiology sector, including the notable divide between W-2 employment and private partnerships, young radiologists can anticipate salary growth in the range of 5.00% annually as they advance in their careers. These dynamics make Tullahoma an intriguing choice for new grad radiologists in TN.
More salary data for Tullahoma, 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 Tullahoma. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tullahoma 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