Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Stephenville, TX: $230,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Stephenville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $230,003 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stephenville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $239,586 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($396,557) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting salary for an entry-level radiologist in Stephenville, Texas, is projected to be around $230,003. This initial pay level is significantly lower than the median annual salary for radiologists in the city, which stands at $396,557, creating a clear gap of approximately $166,554 that new graduates can aim to close as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, early-career radiologists can expect their income to progress from the entry-level figure through the $285,521 mark (P25) and potentially reach or exceed the median salary with skilled performance and contributions to their practice. Given that radiology is in a steady growth phase, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Stephenville can be considered a promising market for new graduates entering the field.
About the Stephenville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($425,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stephenville
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 Stephenville
Entry-level radiologists in Stephenville, TX typically start between $230,003 and $285,521 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $278,614 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $396,557 — 10.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 104.35% of the starting radiologist pay ($230,003/year) in Stephenville. 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 Stephenville
- 1Research the Stephenville market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $230,003 to $285,521, 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 Stephenville, 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 Stephenville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stephenville'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 Stephenville is $278,614 ( 121.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $230,003, experienced hygienists can earn up to $508,617.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$193,874
2025 BLS Actual
$219,050
2026 Current Est.
$230,003
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Stephenville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $193,874 | Actual |
| 2022 | $190,897 | Actual |
| 2023 | $196,286 | Actual |
| 2024 | $221,205 | Actual |
| 2025 | $219,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $230,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $241,503 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Stephenville, TX grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $193,874 in 2021 to $219,050 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $241,503. New graduates entering the Stephenville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stephenville 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 Stephenville
New graduates can find various employers in Stephenville willing to hire entry-level radiologists, including local hospitals and healthcare systems that offer structured training programs. Academic medical centers might provide valuable fellowship pipelines, while large private practices often prefer candidates who have completed their residencies and are looking to partner after several years of service. To optimize their starting pay in Texas, it's essential for new radiologists to obtain an MD or DO degree, complete a diagnostic radiology residency, achieve ABR board certification, and potentially pursue further fellowships. During the first few years, graduates should strategically consider the types of employment available—such as private partnerships versus W-2 hospital roles—while keeping in mind that the profitability of partnerships has changed since 2018 due to private equity influences. Those entering the workforce are likely to see salary growth as they adapt to RVU productivity models and establish themselves in their chosen practices.
More salary data for Stephenville, 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 Stephenville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stephenville 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