Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Port Arthur, TX: $249,174 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Port Arthur, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $249,174 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Port Arthur's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $259,556 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($429,611) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new radiologists starting their careers in Port Arthur, Texas can expect a beginning salary around $249,174, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $429,611. This gap highlights the typical earnings progression for these early-career professionals, where first-year salaries generally rise toward the $309,320 range within the first few years. The upward trajectory aligns with the anticipated growth rate of 5.00%, suggesting that diligent new graduates in Port Arthur have solid opportunities for financial advancement. For those just entering the field, Port Arthur presents a viable job market, bolstered by its competitive entry-level compensation relative to peers across the state.
About the Port Arthur Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Port Arthur
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 Port Arthur
Entry-level radiologists in Port Arthur, TX typically start between $249,174 and $309,320 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $345,806 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $429,611 — 2.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 96.32% of the starting radiologist pay ($249,174/year) in Port Arthur. 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 Port Arthur
- 1Research the Port Arthur market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $249,174 to $309,320, 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 Port Arthur, 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 Port Arthur for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Port Arthur'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 Port Arthur is $345,806 ( 138.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $249,174, experienced hygienists can earn up to $594,980.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$210,035
2025 BLS Actual
$237,309
2026 Current Est.
$249,174
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Port Arthur (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $210,035 | Actual |
| 2022 | $206,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,648 | Actual |
| 2024 | $239,643 | Actual |
| 2025 | $237,309 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $249,174 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $261,633 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Port Arthur, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $210,035 in 2021 to $237,309 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $261,633. New graduates entering the Port Arthur job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur
Employers in Port Arthur that typically hire entry-level radiologists include major healthcare systems, academic medical centers, and telehealth firms. These institutions often prefer candidates with strong credentials like an MD or DO, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification, with many seeking additional fellowships to enhance expertise and increase starting pay. For new graduates, the key lies in choosing the right initial position—whether in a private practice, hospital setting, or an academic environment—as these choices can influence long-term earnings significantly. Within the first three years in practice, radiologists in Port Arthur can anticipate salary growth fueled by individual productivity, the evolving landscape of private equity acquisitions, and likely transitions into either W-2 employment or partnership tracks. Understanding the dynamics of partnership versus hospital employment will be essential for maximizing earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Port Arthur, 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 Port Arthur. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Port Arthur 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