Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Odessa, TX: $243,373 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Odessa, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $243,373 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Odessa's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $253,514 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($419,608) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Odessa, Texas, new graduates entering the radiology field can expect an entry-level salary starting at approximately $243,373 in 2026. While this figure is lower than the city's median annual salary of $419,608, it presents a solid foundation for those beginning their careers. Over the first few years, one can anticipate a progressive increase in earnings, moving from the lower salary range to the 25th percentile at $302,118, and ultimately approaching the median as they gain experience. Odessa currently presents a promising market for recent graduates, with a growing demand for radiology professionals and a potential for salary growth that reflects a broader increase in the healthcare sector.
About the Odessa Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Odessa
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 Odessa
Entry-level radiologists in Odessa, TX typically start between $243,373 and $302,118 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $354,856 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $419,608 — 5.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 98.61% of the starting radiologist pay ($243,373/year) in Odessa. 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 Odessa
- 1Research the Odessa market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $243,373 to $302,118, 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 Odessa, 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 Odessa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Odessa'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 Odessa is $354,856 ( 145.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $243,373, experienced hygienists can earn up to $598,229.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$205,145
2025 BLS Actual
$231,784
2026 Current Est.
$243,373
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Odessa (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $205,145 | Actual |
| 2022 | $201,994 | Actual |
| 2023 | $207,697 | Actual |
| 2024 | $234,064 | Actual |
| 2025 | $231,784 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $243,373 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $255,542 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Odessa, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $205,145 in 2021 to $231,784 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $255,542. New graduates entering the Odessa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Odessa 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 Odessa
For new graduates starting their careers in Odessa, it's crucial to identify potential employers that actively hire entry-level radiologists. Academic medical centers within the area typically offer a wide array of subspecialty opportunities and can serve as valuable environments for fellowship training, while large private partnerships are known for hiring residents and providing pathways to partnership within a few years post-residency. Teleradiology firms also present attractive options for those drawn to a remote lifestyle. Credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, board certification from the ABR, and potential subspecialty fellowships can significantly enhance starting pay in Texas. As the landscape of radiology evolves—particularly with the recent shifts toward private equity ownership—radiologists entering the job market should strategically consider their employment type, keeping in mind that W-2 hospital roles and private partnerships offer different earning potentials that can dramatically affect salary growth during the critical early years.
More salary data for Odessa, 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 Odessa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Odessa 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