Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Redmond, WA: $275,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Redmond, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $275,014 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redmond's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $256,065 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($474,162) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Starting a career as a radiologist in Redmond, WA, in 2026 presents a promising opportunity, especially for recent graduates eyeing a starting salary of approximately $275,014. This entry-level figure is considerably below the city's median annual salary of $474,162, highlighting the typical disparity between initial compensation and seasoned practitioners' earnings. Over the first 3-5 years, new graduates can expect to see growth, with potential earnings reaching around $341,397 as they gain experience, which still reflects the upward trajectory of a successful career in radiology. Given the competitive nature of healthcare in Redmond and the broader Washington market, aspiring radiologists will find that the area remains a viable option for launching their careers, particularly with expected salary growth driven by demand for qualified medical professionals.
About the Redmond Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redmond
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 Redmond
Entry-level radiologists in Redmond, WA typically start between $275,014 and $341,397 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $416,035 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $474,162 — 7.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 116.36% of the starting radiologist pay ($275,014/year) in Redmond. 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 Redmond
- 1Research the Redmond market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $275,014 to $341,397, 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 Redmond, 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 Redmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Redmond'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 Redmond is $416,035 ( 151.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $275,014, experienced hygienists can earn up to $691,049.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$231,816
2025 BLS Actual
$261,918
2026 Current Est.
$275,014
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Redmond (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $231,816 | Actual |
| 2022 | $228,255 | Actual |
| 2023 | $234,699 | Actual |
| 2024 | $255,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $261,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $275,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $288,765 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Redmond, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $231,816 in 2021 to $261,918 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $288,765. New graduates entering the Redmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond 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 Redmond
In Redmond, various employers are positioned to hire new radiology graduates, each offering unique pathways for career advancement. Academic medical centers often provide a wealth of subspecialty options and fellowship training, while large private partnerships typically recruit directly from residency programs, offering a 2-3 year route to partnership. Teleradiology companies also hire fellowship-trained radiologists, ultimately inviting a remote-first lifestyle that appeals to many new graduates. Holding an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, obtaining ABR board certification, and optional fellowship training can significantly enhance starting pay in the region. Additionally, as radiology evolves, professionals should be aware of the bifurcation within the field, as they may consider employment with private groups for high future earnings—often exceeding $500,000—or aim for meaningful positions within W-2 hospital employment. With market expectations suggesting realistic salary growth in the first few years, strategic career planning is essential for maximizing opportunities in the diverse landscape of radiology in Redmond.
More salary data for Redmond, 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 Redmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redmond 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