Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Vancouver, WA: $279,813 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Vancouver, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $279,813 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vancouver's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $260,534 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($482,437) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
While pursuing a career as a radiologist, new graduates in Vancouver, WA can expect starting salaries to generally align with initial projections for 2026, where entry-level positions pay around $279,813. Although this figure is significantly below the city median of $482,437, the potential for growth is optimistic, with salary increases anticipated over the first few years of employment. Entry-level radiologists can realistically look to advance through salary percentiles, reaching around $347,355 after a few years in practice. Given that Vancouver’s market remains strong and with a consistent growth rate of 5.00% annually, it proves to be a favorable environment for new grad radiologists looking to establish their careers.
About the Vancouver Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vancouver
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 Vancouver
Entry-level radiologists in Vancouver, WA typically start between $279,813 and $347,355 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $434,681 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $482,437 — 9.17% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 114.36% of the starting radiologist pay ($279,813/year) in Vancouver. 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 Vancouver
- 1Research the Vancouver market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $279,813 to $347,355, 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Vancouver'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 Vancouver is $434,681 ( 155.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $279,813, experienced hygienists can earn up to $714,494.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$235,861
2025 BLS Actual
$266,489
2026 Current Est.
$279,813
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Vancouver (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $235,861 | Actual |
| 2022 | $232,239 | Actual |
| 2023 | $238,795 | Actual |
| 2024 | $259,613 | Actual |
| 2025 | $266,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $279,813 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $293,804 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Vancouver, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $235,861 in 2021 to $266,489 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $293,804. New graduates entering the Vancouver job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vancouver 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 Vancouver
In Vancouver, a variety of employers are open to hiring new graduate radiologists. Academic medical centers typically value fellows and provide rich training environments, while large private practices may hire directly from residency, often expecting a pathway to partnership over a 2-3 year period. However, teleradiology firms particularly cater to fellowship-trained radiologists seeking flexibility in remote work. Credentials play a vital role here; obtaining an MD or DO, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification can considerably enhance starting radiologist pay in WA. For early-career professionals, it’s essential to develop a career strategy that reflects the bifurcation in radiology today: whether to pursue private partnerships or hospital employment models. Realistic expectations set for the first 1-3 years in this market indicate a steady increase in compensation, reinforcing the appeal of radiology as a sustainable career choice.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Vancouver in 2026?
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Is radiology school worth it in Vancouver?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Vancouver?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Vancouver. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vancouver 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