Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Covington, WA: $258,412 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Covington, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $258,412 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Covington's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $240,607 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($445,539) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Covington, new graduates entering the field of radiology can expect an entry-level salary starting around $258,412 in 2026. This starting pay represents a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $445,539 in the area. However, early-career professionals can realistically consider progression to around $320,789 within the first few years, reflecting a steady growth trajectory. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, this market shows promising potential for recent graduates eager to establish themselves in a competitive but rewarding field. For those pursuing a career as a radiologist, Covington presents a favorable environment as it offers a strong salary range for newcomers, which is above the national average by 0.82%, making it a viable option for early-career radiologists in WA.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Covington
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 Covington
Entry-level radiologists in Covington, WA typically start between $258,412 and $320,789 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $342,111 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $445,539 — 0.82% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 123.83% of the starting radiologist pay ($258,412/year) in Covington. 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 Covington
- 1Research the Covington market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $258,412 to $320,789, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Covington, 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 Covington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Covington'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 Covington is $342,111 ( 132.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $258,412, experienced hygienists can earn up to $600,523.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$217,822
2025 BLS Actual
$246,107
2026 Current Est.
$258,412
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Covington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $217,822 | Actual |
| 2022 | $214,476 | Actual |
| 2023 | $220,531 | Actual |
| 2024 | $239,756 | Actual |
| 2025 | $246,107 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $258,412 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $271,333 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Covington, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $217,822 in 2021 to $246,107 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $271,333. New graduates entering the Covington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Covington 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 Covington
In Covington, various healthcare providers actively recruit new radiology graduates, including large private partnerships, academic medical centers, and teleradiology firms. Each employer type offers distinct advantages: academic institutions often provide robust educational resources and fellowship opportunities, large partnerships typically promise pathways to partner status within 2-3 years, and teleradiology companies cater to those interested in remote working conditions. To enhance starting pay in Washington, candidates should focus on solid credentialing, including obtaining an MD or DO, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and securing ABR board certification, with optional fellowships further boosting their standing. In the first several years, radiologists can expect realistic salary growth depending on their chosen career trajectory, whether it leads towards private partnerships or hospital employment. Understanding these dynamics, along with the recent changes driven by private equity acquisitions in the radiology space, is crucial for new graduates navigating their professional paths in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Covington, WA:
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 Covington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Covington 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