Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Arlington, TX: $253,136 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Arlington, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $253,136 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Arlington's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $263,683 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($436,441) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as a radiologist in Arlington, TX, the entry-level compensation offers a starting point that may appear competitive yet requires careful consideration. With a projected starting salary of approximately $253,136 in 2026, new graduates can expect to find themselves significantly below the city's median annual salary of $436,441. This disparity underscores the importance of career progression as early-career radiologists can earn closer to the 25th percentile at $314,238 within their first three to five years. As the demand for radiology services continues to grow, the Arlington market presents viable opportunities for radiologists eager to climb the salary ladder while establishing their professional identities and networks in this evolving field.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Arlington
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 Arlington
Entry-level radiologists in Arlington, TX typically start between $253,136 and $314,238 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $387,831 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $436,441 — 1.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 94.81% of the starting radiologist pay ($253,136/year) in Arlington. 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 Arlington
- 1Research the Arlington market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $253,136 to $314,238, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Arlington, 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 Arlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Arlington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Arlington is $387,831 ( 153.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $253,136, experienced hygienists can earn up to $640,967.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$213,374
2025 BLS Actual
$241,082
2026 Current Est.
$253,136
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Arlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $213,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $210,097 | Actual |
| 2023 | $216,029 | Actual |
| 2024 | $243,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $241,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $253,136 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $265,793 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Arlington, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $213,374 in 2021 to $241,082 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $265,793. New graduates entering the Arlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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 Arlington
Regarding employment opportunities, various institutions across Arlington are actively hiring new graduates. Academic medical centers are prime locations for entry-level radiologists, offering substantial subspecialty exposure and established fellowships. Meanwhile, large private partnerships, which typically facilitate a rapid transition to partnership after a 2-3 year residency, also present attractive pathways for new hires. Additionally, teleradiology firms increasingly recruit fellowship-trained radiologists, providing flexibility in work arrangements. To bolster their initial salary prospects, candidates should aim for the necessary credentials such as an MD or DO degree, successful completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification. In the initial years, radiologists may expect incremental salary growth as they gain experience and increase productivity, with the trajectory determined by the distinct professional paths they choose among private partnerships, hospital employment, or subspecialization in interventional radiology.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Arlington in 2026?
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Is radiology school worth it in Arlington?
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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 Arlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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