Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Del Rio, TX: $242,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Del Rio, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $242,231 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Del Rio's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,324 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($417,640) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new radiology graduates entering the workforce in 2026, Del Rio, Texas, presents a relatively modest starting salary landscape. Entry-level positions in this area are expected to begin at approximately $242,231, significantly below the city's median annual salary of $417,640. However, there is a clear pathway for growth: within the first few years, entry-level radiologists can anticipate reaching the 25th percentile earnings of around $300,700, as they gain valuable experience and hone their skills. Hence, Del Rio may not be the highest-paying market for new grads, but it does offer steady career growth potential which some may find appealing.
About the Del Rio Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Del Rio
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 Del Rio
Entry-level radiologists in Del Rio, TX typically start between $242,231 and $300,700 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $311,300 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $417,640 — 5.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 99.08% of the starting radiologist pay ($242,231/year) in Del Rio. 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 Del Rio
- 1Research the Del Rio market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $242,231 to $300,700, 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 Del Rio, 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 Del Rio for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Del Rio'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 Del Rio is $311,300 ( 128.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $242,231, experienced hygienists can earn up to $553,531.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$204,182
2025 BLS Actual
$230,696
2026 Current Est.
$242,231
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Del Rio (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $204,182 | Actual |
| 2022 | $201,046 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,722 | Actual |
| 2024 | $232,966 | Actual |
| 2025 | $230,696 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $242,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $254,342 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Del Rio, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $204,182 in 2021 to $230,696 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $254,342. New graduates entering the Del Rio job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Del Rio 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 Del Rio
In Del Rio, key employers likely to hire new radiologists include local hospitals and private practice group partnerships. Academic institutions in nearby cities may also be an option, typically noted for their robust fellowship pipelines and subspecialty opportunities. For those aiming to boost their starting pay, obtaining ABR board certification after completing a diagnostic radiology residency can greatly enhance marketability. Additionally, engaging in formal fellowships could lead to further specialization and compensation. The current environment in the radiology sector is characterized by a split between private partnerships, which can pay upwards of $500,000 to $700,000, versus hospital-based W-2 employment typically around $400,000 to $550,000. Given this context, new graduates should expect a gradual increase in salary over the first few years, focusing on building a solid foundation and exploring the options available in this evolving market.
More salary data for Del Rio, 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 Del Rio. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Del Rio 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