Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Nacogdoches, TX: $233,524 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Nacogdoches, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $233,524 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nacogdoches's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $243,254 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($402,629) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For recent graduates venturing into radiology in Nacogdoches, the starting annual pay can be relatively promising, with entry-level positions projected to offer a salary around $233,524 in 2026. While this figure is lower than the city's median salary of $402,629, it allows for an upward trajectory as new radiologists gain experience and credentials. Within the first few years, it's realistic for early-career professionals to move towards the 25th percentile, bringing their salaries to approximately $289,892 as they establish themselves in the field. Nacogdoches currently presents an attractive market for new graduates, especially considering the expected growth rate of 5.00%, enabling aspiring radiologists to build a solid foundation in their careers.
About the Nacogdoches Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nacogdoches
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 Nacogdoches
Entry-level radiologists in Nacogdoches, TX typically start between $233,524 and $289,892 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $310,672 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $402,629 — 8.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 102.77% of the starting radiologist pay ($233,524/year) in Nacogdoches. 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 Nacogdoches
- 1Research the Nacogdoches market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $233,524 to $289,892, 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 Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nacogdoches'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 Nacogdoches is $310,672 ( 133.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $233,524, experienced hygienists can earn up to $544,196.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$196,843
2025 BLS Actual
$222,404
2026 Current Est.
$233,524
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Nacogdoches (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $196,843 | Actual |
| 2022 | $193,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $199,292 | Actual |
| 2024 | $224,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $222,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $233,524 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $245,200 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Nacogdoches, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $196,843 in 2021 to $222,404 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $245,200. New graduates entering the Nacogdoches job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches
In terms of employment opportunities, several local healthcare facilities and practices in Nacogdoches actively hire new radiologists, ranging from academic medical centers that provide valuable fellowship training to private radiology groups. Organizations looking for newly minted graduates often focus on hiring candidates who possess a diagnostic radiology residency and are on track for ABR board certification. Additionally, radiologists could enhance their earning potential by pursuing subspecialty fellowships, which are becoming increasingly sought after. Career strategies for entry-level radiologists should account for the evolving dynamics where many young professionals begin in hospital W-2 positions, typically rewarded with salaries between $400,000-$550,000, while private partnership tracks might present a potential earning landscape nearing $500,000-$700,000 after several years of practice. As healthcare environments shift, particularly with the influence of private equity on radiology groups, new graduates in Nacogdoches should stay informed about the partnership and employment structures that could significantly affect their long-term financial trajectory.
More salary data for Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nacogdoches 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