Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Pasadena, TX: $245,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Pasadena, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $245,262 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pasadena's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $255,481 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($422,865) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology, the starting pay in Pasadena, TX, reflects a promising yet competitive landscape. An entry-level radiologist can expect a starting salary around $245,262, substantially below the city's projected median annual salary of $422,865. However, for those embarking on their careers, it's crucial to recognize the growth potential; within the first five years, salaries can realistically rise to $304,463 at the 25th percentile, approaching the median as one gains experience and navigates their career path. Given a growth trajectory of 5.00%, Pasadena presents a favorable market for new grads, particularly for those willing to engage with local healthcare systems and build their professional networks.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pasadena
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 Pasadena
Entry-level radiologists in Pasadena, TX typically start between $245,262 and $304,463 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $363,063 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $422,865 — 4.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 97.85% of the starting radiologist pay ($245,262/year) in Pasadena. 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 Pasadena
- 1Research the Pasadena market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $245,262 to $304,463, 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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pasadena'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 Pasadena is $363,063 ( 148.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $245,262, experienced hygienists can earn up to $608,325.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$206,737
2025 BLS Actual
$233,583
2026 Current Est.
$245,262
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Pasadena (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $206,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $203,562 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,309 | Actual |
| 2024 | $235,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $245,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,525 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pasadena, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $206,737 in 2021 to $233,583 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $257,525. New graduates entering the Pasadena job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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 Pasadena
In Pasadena, various employers cater to recent graduates in radiology, including academic medical centers, which provide diverse subspecialty training and potentially lead to fellowship opportunities. Large private partnerships typically recruit physicians directly from residency, offering a 2-3 year track toward partnership, while teleradiology firms hire fellowship-trained radiologists for a remote-first work lifestyle. To boost starting pay within Texas, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are essential. Given that radiology career paths have bifurcated into private partnerships and hospital employment models, new graduates must carefully consider their choices based on long-term financial goals and lifestyle preferences. Realistic salary growth expectations during the initial years can vary significantly, emphasizing the importance of aligning professional aspirations with market opportunities tailored to their earnings and lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Pasadena in 2026?
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Is radiology school worth it in Pasadena?
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How do I become a radiologist in Texas?
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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 Pasadena. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasadena 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