Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Friendswood, TX: $237,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Friendswood, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $237,840 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Friendswood's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $247,750 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($410,068) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the radiology field in Friendswood, Texas, the starting salary provides a clear benchmark but varies widely. In 2026, new graduates can expect an entry-level radiologist salary in Friendswood to be around $237,840. This figure is significantly below the median salary for radiologists in the area, which stands at $410,068, leaving a notable gap as early-career professionals build their experience. However, over the first few years, the salary growth trajectory appears promising, with earnings potentially reaching $295,250 after gaining more expertise. Given the projected growth rate of 5.00% annually, Friendswood presents a reasonable environment for recent graduates to begin their careers and work toward these higher earnings.
About the Friendswood Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Friendswood
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 Friendswood
Entry-level radiologists in Friendswood, TX typically start between $237,840 and $295,250 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $331,812 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $410,068 — 7.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 100.91% of the starting radiologist pay ($237,840/year) in Friendswood. 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 Friendswood
- 1Research the Friendswood market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $237,840 to $295,250, 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 Friendswood, 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 Friendswood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Friendswood'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 Friendswood is $331,812 ( 139.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $237,840, experienced hygienists can earn up to $569,652.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$200,481
2025 BLS Actual
$226,514
2026 Current Est.
$237,840
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Friendswood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $200,481 | Actual |
| 2022 | $197,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $202,974 | Actual |
| 2024 | $228,742 | Actual |
| 2025 | $226,514 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $237,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $249,732 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Friendswood, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $200,481 in 2021 to $226,514 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $249,732. New graduates entering the Friendswood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Friendswood 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 Friendswood
In Friendswood, radiologists can find a variety of employers willing to hire new graduates. Academic medical centers offer extensive training opportunities, while large private partnerships often prefer to recruit new talent from residencies with clear pathways to partnership within 2-3 years. Additionally, teleradiology firms cater to those seeking a remote-first lifestyle, which is becoming increasingly appealing. To enhance starting pay in Texas, obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification are essential. Optional subspecialty fellowships can also boost earning potential considerably. As the field of radiology bifurcates into private partnerships versus hospital W-2 employment, the strategic planning for the first 1-3 years should include careful consideration of employer types and whether to pursue fellowship training, especially given the evolving partnership dynamics shaped by private equity acquisitions. Realistically, significant salary growth can be anticipated within the initial years of practice, especially for those who strategically plan their early career moves.
More salary data for Friendswood, 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 Friendswood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Friendswood 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