Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Olympia, WA: $272,648 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Olympia, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $272,648 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Olympia's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $253,862 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($470,084) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Olympia, Washington, a new graduate entering the field of radiology can expect a starting salary around $272,648 in 2026. While this figure is significantly below the city's median radiologist salary of $470,084, it reflects the typical entry-level pay for newly minted radiologists. Over the first few years, individuals can anticipate gradual increases as they gain experience; expected growth ranges from the initial salary to around $338,460 by the time they reach the 25th percentile. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, new graduates in Olympia generally have a promising career trajectory ahead, making this market a moderately favorable option for those just starting in their radiology careers.
About the Olympia Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Olympia
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 Olympia
Entry-level radiologists in Olympia, WA typically start between $272,648 and $338,460 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $373,158 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $470,084 — 6.38% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 117.37% of the starting radiologist pay ($272,648/year) in Olympia. 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 Olympia
- 1Research the Olympia market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $272,648 to $338,460, 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 Olympia, 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 Olympia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Olympia'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 Olympia is $373,158 ( 136.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $272,648, experienced hygienists can earn up to $645,806.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$229,821
2025 BLS Actual
$259,665
2026 Current Est.
$272,648
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Olympia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $229,821 | Actual |
| 2022 | $226,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $232,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $252,965 | Actual |
| 2025 | $259,665 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $272,648 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $286,281 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Olympia, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $229,821 in 2021 to $259,665 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $286,281. New graduates entering the Olympia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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 Olympia
Opportunities for new radiologists in Olympia largely stem from a variety of employers. Academic medical centers are known for hiring recent graduates, providing a pathway into fellowships and diverse subspecialty education. Additionally, large private partnerships may favor applicants who have completed residency, offering a structured career track typically lasting 2-3 years before advancing to partner status. Many teleradiology firms also look for fellowship-trained radiologists, catering to those seeking remote-first work environments. Credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are essential for enhancing starting pay in WA. For new professionals, focusing on productivity models such as RVUs becomes critical. The dynamic landscape of radiology employment continues to evolve, especially with private equity impacts influencing partnership opportunities since 2018. Overall, realistic salary growth over the first few years for new radiologists in Olympia can reflect favorable trends as they develop their careers further.
More salary data for Olympia, 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 Olympia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Olympia 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