Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lacey, WA: $270,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lacey, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $270,284 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lacey's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $251,661 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($466,006) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the radiology field in Lacey, Washington, can expect an entry-level radiologist salary that starts around $270,284. This figure represents a significant gap from the city's overall median salary of $466,006, highlighting the differences that often exist between entry-level positions and more experienced roles. Within the first few years, new graduates have the potential to see salary increases as they progress through the pay range; for example, reaching approximately $335,524 at the 25th percentile. Lacey's job market, characterized by a growing demand for radiologists, presents promising opportunities for new graduates. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, those just beginning their careers can look forward to a favorable trajectory in the initial years.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lacey
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 Lacey
Entry-level radiologists in Lacey, WA typically start between $270,284 and $335,524 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $408,504 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $466,006 — 5.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 118.39% of the starting radiologist pay ($270,284/year) in Lacey. 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 Lacey
- 1Research the Lacey market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $270,284 to $335,524, 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 Lacey, 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 Lacey for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lacey'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 Lacey is $408,504 ( 151.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $270,284, experienced hygienists can earn up to $678,788.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$227,828
2025 BLS Actual
$257,413
2026 Current Est.
$270,284
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Lacey (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $227,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $224,329 | Actual |
| 2023 | $230,662 | Actual |
| 2024 | $250,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $257,413 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $270,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $283,798 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lacey, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $227,828 in 2021 to $257,413 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $283,798. New graduates entering the Lacey job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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 Lacey
Several employers in Lacey actively seek to hire new radiology graduates, including local hospitals and private radiology practices. Academic medical centers are particularly appealing as they not only provide diverse subspecialty experiences but also facilitate fellowship training, a pathway that can be beneficial for further career advancement. Establishing credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification enhances a candidate's market competitiveness. Additionally, pursuing one to two years of subspecialty fellowship training can lead to better starting salaries. In this evolving landscape marked by private equity's influence on radiology groups, new radiologists must weigh their options: joining private partnerships often leading to higher salaries, typical in the $500k-$700k range, versus hospital-based employment that typically offers $400k-$550k. Within the first three years, realistic salary growth expectations in Lacey would likely see new graduates making substantial progress towards higher earnings as they establish their practices and build professional networks.
More salary data for Lacey, 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 Lacey. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lacey 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