Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Cleburne, TX: $244,599 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Cleburne, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $244,599 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleburne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $254,791 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($421,722) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates aiming to kickstart their careers in radiology, Cleburne, Texas offers a compelling entry-level radiologist salary that starts around $244,599 in 2026. While this is significantly below the city's median salary of $421,722, new professionals can expect a gradual salary increase as they gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile figure of $303,640 within three to five years. This progression highlights a positive growth trajectory for early-career radiologists, making Cleburne an enticing market for new graduates. With a robust projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, early-career professionals can expect their earnings to rise steadily as they navigate their initial career steps.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cleburne
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 Cleburne
Entry-level radiologists in Cleburne, TX typically start between $244,599 and $303,640 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $337,120 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $421,722 — 4.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 98.12% of the starting radiologist pay ($244,599/year) in Cleburne. 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 Cleburne
- 1Research the Cleburne market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $244,599 to $303,640, 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 Cleburne, 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 Cleburne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cleburne'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 Cleburne is $337,120 ( 137.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $244,599, experienced hygienists can earn up to $581,719.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$206,178
2025 BLS Actual
$232,951
2026 Current Est.
$244,599
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Cleburne (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $206,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $203,011 | Actual |
| 2023 | $208,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $235,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $232,951 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $244,599 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $256,828 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cleburne, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $206,178 in 2021 to $232,951 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $256,828. New graduates entering the Cleburne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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 Cleburne
When seeking employment in Cleburne, prospective radiologists should consider the variety of employers that are known to hire new graduates. Local hospitals, outpatient facilities, and teleradiology firms offer valuable opportunities for entry-level positions. These settings often provide training and mentorship within well-structured residency and fellowship programs. New graduates should prioritize obtaining their ABR board certification, and consider pursuing additional fellowship training to enhance their qualifications. Though starting salaries can vary widely depending on the employment type—private partnerships generally offer higher pay compared to hospital positions—the experience gained in the first few years may set the foundation for a lucrative career. As the radiology landscape continues to evolve with private equity acquisitions impacting traditional partnership tracks, early-career choices may affect long-term salary potential and professional development.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
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 Cleburne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleburne 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