Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lakewood, WA: $271,984 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lakewood, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $271,984 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $253,244 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($468,937) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting as an entry-level radiologist in Lakewood, Washington, new graduates can expect a starting salary estimated at around $271,984 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the city's median annual salary of $468,937, indicating a substantial gap for those just beginning their careers. However, this entry-level position offers a growth trajectory that can lead to salaries around $337,635 after a few years, and potentially up to the median as professionals advance through their careers. For recent graduates, Lakewood presents a favorable job market where the demand for radiologists supports competitive entry-level salaries coupled with growth opportunities over the initial 3 to 5 years.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level radiologists in Lakewood, WA typically start between $271,984 and $337,635 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $401,021 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $468,937 — 6.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 117.65% of the starting radiologist pay ($271,984/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $271,984 to $337,635, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakewood'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 Lakewood is $401,021 ( 147.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $271,984, experienced hygienists can earn up to $673,005.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$229,261
2025 BLS Actual
$259,032
2026 Current Est.
$271,984
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Lakewood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $229,261 | Actual |
| 2022 | $225,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $232,113 | Actual |
| 2024 | $252,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $259,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $271,984 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $285,583 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $229,261 in 2021 to $259,032 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $285,583. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Major employers in the Lakewood area, such as academic medical centers, large private partnerships, and teleradiology firms, often hire new graduates straight from residency. These institutions typically provide a wealth of experience across multiple subspecialties and may offer established pathways to partnership or remote work. New graduates should ideally focus on attaining ABR board certification, which is crucial for boosting starting pay in WA, along with considering fellowship opportunities that further specialize their skills. Given the recent changes in partnership tracks due to private equity acquisitions of radiology groups, early-career professionals should be strategic in navigating employment options, as opting for W-2 employment at hospitals can yield different compensation structures compared to private practice. As new radiologists progress through their first three years, realistic salary expectations can see entry-level incomes approaching higher brackets as they establish their RVU models and prove their productivity within their organizations.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Lakewood in 2026?
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Is radiology school worth it in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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