Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Tacoma, WA: $278,799 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Tacoma, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $278,799 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tacoma's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $259,589 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($480,689) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Aspiring radiologists entering the workforce in Tacoma, Washington, can expect starting salaries around $278,799 in 2026, a figure that reflects the entry-level pay for this profession. This amount marks a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $480,689 for established practitioners in the area. However, there is a promising growth trajectory from the entry-level position, with potential earnings reaching around $346,096 as new graduates gain experience over their first few years. The local market is currently quite favorable for new graduates, especially considering the 5.00% annual growth expected in this field, which indicates that opportunities are blossoming for those willing to embark on this career path.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tacoma
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 Tacoma
Entry-level radiologists in Tacoma, WA typically start between $278,799 and $346,096 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $447,503 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $480,689 — 8.78% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 114.78% of the starting radiologist pay ($278,799/year) in Tacoma. 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 Tacoma
- 1Research the Tacoma market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $278,799 to $346,096, 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tacoma'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 Tacoma is $447,503 ( 160.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $278,799, experienced hygienists can earn up to $726,302.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$235,006
2025 BLS Actual
$265,523
2026 Current Est.
$278,799
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Tacoma (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $235,006 | Actual |
| 2022 | $231,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $237,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $258,671 | Actual |
| 2025 | $265,523 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $278,799 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $292,739 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tacoma, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $235,006 in 2021 to $265,523 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $292,739. New graduates entering the Tacoma job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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 Tacoma
In Tacoma, several employers actively recruit entry-level radiologists, providing various opportunities for new graduates. Academic medical centers in the area not only offer extensive training and fellowship pathways but also a diverse range of subspecialty practice. Large private practice partnerships often hire residents directly, leading to partnership opportunities within 2-3 years, while teleradiology firms offer attractive remote work options primarily for fellowship-trained radiologists. New graduates looking to increase their starting pay in WA should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, achieving ABR board certification, and potentially pursuing additional subspecialty fellowships. In the evolving landscape of radiology, where private equity has influenced partnership structures, a strategic focus on the disparity between private partnerships and hospital employment can guide new graduates. Salary growth in the first three years is dependent on maintaining competitive RVU productivity, with early-career radiologists generally earning between $400,000 and $550,000 in W-2 jobs and potentially exceeding $500,000 in private settings if they meet performance benchmarks.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Tacoma. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tacoma 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