Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in El Paso, TX: $261,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the El Paso, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $261,091 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out El Paso's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $271,970 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($450,157) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Employment prospects for newly graduated radiologists in El Paso, Texas present a promising outlook, particularly when one considers the entry-level salary landscape. As of 2026, starting positions offer salaries around $261,091, considerably below the area's median of $450,157. However, ambitious new graduates can anticipate meaningful growth as they advance, with a trajectory that often leads upwards to $324,113 at the 25th percentile within just a few years. This progressive salary increase, spurred by hands-on experience and developing expertise, positions El Paso as a viable market for fresh graduates seeking reputable career opportunities within the field of radiology.
About the El Paso Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in El Paso
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 El Paso
Entry-level radiologists in El Paso, TX typically start between $261,091 and $324,113 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $402,592 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $450,157 — 1.87% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 91.92% of the starting radiologist pay ($261,091/year) in El Paso. 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 El Paso
- 1Research the El Paso market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $261,091 to $324,113, 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 El Paso, 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 El Paso for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5El Paso'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 El Paso is $402,592 ( 154.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $261,091, experienced hygienists can earn up to $663,683.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$220,080
2025 BLS Actual
$248,658
2026 Current Est.
$261,091
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in El Paso (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $220,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $216,699 | Actual |
| 2023 | $222,817 | Actual |
| 2024 | $251,104 | Actual |
| 2025 | $248,658 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $261,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $274,145 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in El Paso, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $220,080 in 2021 to $248,658 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $274,145. New graduates entering the El Paso job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the El Paso 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 El Paso
In El Paso, various employers actively recruit new graduates into the radiology profession, including academic medical centers, large private partnerships, and teleradiology firms. While academic settings frequently offer exposure to subspecialties and fellowship pipelines, private practices typically hire residents ready to embark on a 2-3 year path toward partnership—an attractive prospect considering the financial rewards often seen in this area, with later earnings potentially ranging from $500,000 to $700,000. Additionally, credentials play a vital role in maximizing starting pay in Texas. New entrants armed with an MD or DO degree, alongside ABR board certification and possibly fellowship training, can significantly bolster their employability. In the first few years, salary progression is reasonably steady for new grad radiologists in El Paso, promising a rewarding career developed through strategic placements and an understanding of the evolving radiology market, often shaped by private equity trends and partnerships established within the field.
More salary data for El Paso, 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 El Paso. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for El Paso 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