Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Pasco, WA: $268,583 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Pasco, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $268,583 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pasco's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $250,077 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($463,073) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the radiology field in Pasco, WA, can expect a starting salary around $268,583, which is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $463,073. This initial pay can feel daunting, especially when compared to the potential growth in earnings as they advance in their careers. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals can expect their compensation to rise, hitting around $333,413 as they reach more experience. Pasco appears to be a supportive market for recent graduates, with the salary expectations providing a stepping stone to a more lucrative career as they gain proficiency and potentially explore opportunities in subspecialties that could lead to enhanced pay.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pasco
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 Pasco
Entry-level radiologists in Pasco, WA typically start between $268,583 and $333,413 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $383,262 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $463,073 — 4.79% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 119.14% of the starting radiologist pay ($268,583/year) in Pasco. 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 Pasco
- 1Research the Pasco market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $268,583 to $333,413, 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 Pasco, 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 Pasco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pasco'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 Pasco is $383,262 ( 142.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $268,583, experienced hygienists can earn up to $651,845.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$226,394
2025 BLS Actual
$255,793
2026 Current Est.
$268,583
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Pasco (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $226,394 | Actual |
| 2022 | $222,917 | Actual |
| 2023 | $229,211 | Actual |
| 2024 | $249,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $255,793 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $268,583 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $282,012 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pasco, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $226,394 in 2021 to $255,793 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $282,012. New graduates entering the Pasco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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 Pasco
New grad radiologists in Pasco have vibrant employment avenues, particularly with local hospitals, academic medical centers, and partnerships that offer promising growth. These institutions typically prefer candidates who have completed an MD or DO degree and a diagnostic radiology residency, as well as those boasting ABR board certification. Additionally, pursuing fellowship training can significantly enhance their marketability and starting compensation. A career strategy for the first few years should focus on honing skills in clinical practice, particularly as the radiology field continues to diversify between private partnerships, which often see incomes around $500k-$700k, and hospital employment, usually offering salaries between $400k-$550k. Given the rapid growth of private equity in the sector, understanding the shifting dynamics of hospital versus partnership tracks post-2018 can provide distinct advantages. With a reasonable expectation of salary growth in the first three years, early-career radiologists can position themselves for a rewarding path ahead in Pasco, WA.
More salary data for Pasco, 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 Pasco. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasco 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