Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Longview, TX: $244,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Longview, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $244,965 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $255,172 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($422,354) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Longview, TX, new graduates entering radiology can expect a starting salary significantly lower than the citywide median. With a projected entry-level figure at $244,965, the gap between this amount and the median annual salary of $422,354 is notable. However, for ambitious newcomers, there is a clear path toward growth; entry-level salaries gradually increase as one gains experience, with many moving to the 25th percentile at $304,095 within a few years. This city currently presents a favorable environment for recent graduates exploring the field of radiology, as the 5.00% annual growth rate suggests promising salary potential over the first few years of practice.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
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 Longview
Entry-level radiologists in Longview, TX typically start between $244,965 and $304,095 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $340,776 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $422,354 — 4.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 97.97% of the starting radiologist pay ($244,965/year) in Longview. 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 Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $244,965 to $304,095, 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 Longview, 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 Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview'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 Longview is $340,776 ( 139.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $244,965, experienced hygienists can earn up to $585,741.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$206,487
2025 BLS Actual
$233,300
2026 Current Est.
$244,965
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Longview (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $206,487 | Actual |
| 2022 | $203,315 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,055 | Actual |
| 2024 | $235,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $244,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,213 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $206,487 in 2021 to $233,300 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $257,213. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
Several employers in Longview are actively hiring new radiologists, including academic medical centers that provide opportunities for subspecialty training and fellowship pathways, and private partnerships that often hire residents directly upon completion. Pursuing credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification can enhance starting pay. For those considering strategic career moves, it is advisable to assess lifestyle preferences between private equity-backed partnerships with potential compensation ranging from $500k-$700k and hospital W-2 employment averaging around $400k-$550k. In this evolving market, realistic salary growth within the first three years may present new graduates with competitive opportunities as the industry continues to adapt.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Longview in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Longview?
Is radiology school worth it in Longview?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Longview?
How do I become a radiologist in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Longview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longview 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