Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Kent, WA: $274,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Kent, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $274,787 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kent's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $255,854 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($473,771) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kent, Washington, new graduate radiologists can expect a starting salary around $274,787, a significant entry point within the broader spectrum for the profession. This figure lies substantially below the city’s median annual salary of $473,771, highlighting the typical gap new professionals face as they establish their careers. However, early-career growth can be promising, as entry-level positions can realistically progress to around $341,115 within a few years. With an annual growth rate of 5.00%, new grads should feel optimistic about their salary trajectory as they accumulate experience and responsibilities in this competitive market. Overall, Kent represents a favorable environment for new radiologists, offering numerous opportunities for advancement despite the initial hurdles of lower starting pay.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kent
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 Kent
Entry-level radiologists in Kent, WA typically start between $274,787 and $341,115 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $427,026 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $473,771 — 7.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 116.45% of the starting radiologist pay ($274,787/year) in Kent. 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 Kent
- 1Research the Kent market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $274,787 to $341,115, 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 Kent, 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 Kent for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kent'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 Kent is $427,026 ( 155.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $274,787, experienced hygienists can earn up to $701,813.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$231,624
2025 BLS Actual
$261,702
2026 Current Est.
$274,787
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Kent (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $231,624 | Actual |
| 2022 | $228,067 | Actual |
| 2023 | $234,506 | Actual |
| 2024 | $254,949 | Actual |
| 2025 | $261,702 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $274,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $288,526 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kent, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $231,624 in 2021 to $261,702 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $288,526. New graduates entering the Kent job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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 Kent
Successful job seekers in Kent will find opportunities within various employers that actively hire new graduate radiologists. Academic medical centers often provide a robust foundation with diverse subspecialty exposure and fellowship pathways, while large private practices typically target recent graduates as potential partners in a few years. Additionally, teleradiology companies are increasingly appealing, offering the flexibility of remote work. To enhance starting pay in Washington, candidates should focus on obtaining their MD or DO degrees, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification. Those who wish to boost their credentials further might consider 1-2 year subspecialty fellowships. In the first few years of practice, radiologists must navigate between private partnerships, hospital employment, and subspecialty interventional radiology to determine the best fit for their career goals. With diligent efforts and strategic planning, new graduates in Kent can anticipate realistic salary growth as they transition from entry-level to more established roles in the field.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Kent in 2026?
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Is radiology school worth it in Kent?
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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 Kent. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kent 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