Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Walla Walla, WA: $261,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Walla Walla, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $261,298 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Walla Walla's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $243,294 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($450,514) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiologists entering the workforce in Walla Walla, Washington, can expect starting salaries significantly lower than the city's median of $450,514. For new graduates in 2026, the entry-level radiologist salary in Walla Walla is projected at $261,298, setting a foundation that may gradually improve over the first few years in practice. Entry-level professionals can anticipate a realistic growth trajectory, where salaries could rise to around $324,370 during the first three to five years as they gain experience and build their practice. Given the anticipated annual growth rate of 5.00%, Walla Walla represents a viable market for new radiology graduates looking to establish their careers while benefiting from a supportive medical community.
About the Walla Walla Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Walla Walla
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 Walla Walla
Entry-level radiologists in Walla Walla, WA typically start between $261,298 and $324,370 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $347,760 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $450,514 — 1.95% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 122.47% of the starting radiologist pay ($261,298/year) in Walla Walla. 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 Walla Walla
- 1Research the Walla Walla market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $261,298 to $324,370, 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 Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Walla Walla'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 Walla Walla is $347,760 ( 133.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $261,298, experienced hygienists can earn up to $609,058.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$220,254
2025 BLS Actual
$248,855
2026 Current Est.
$261,298
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Walla Walla (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $220,254 | Actual |
| 2022 | $216,871 | Actual |
| 2023 | $222,994 | Actual |
| 2024 | $242,434 | Actual |
| 2025 | $248,855 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $261,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $274,363 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Walla Walla, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $220,254 in 2021 to $248,855 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $274,363. New graduates entering the Walla Walla job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla
In terms of potential employers for recent graduates, Walla Walla has several options, including hospitals and private medical groups that often provide comprehensive training and mentorship. Positions at larger institutions may offer exposure to diverse subspecialties, which can enhance a young radiologist's skills and networking opportunities. Acquiring credentials such as an MD or DO degree, residency training in diagnostic radiology, and board certification from the ABR can also bolster starting pay and facilitate entry into higher-paying opportunities. Recent changes in the industry, primarily driven by private equity acquisitions, have altered traditional partnership paths and created more diverse employment structures in the region. Newly minted radiologists should consider short-term strategies to enhance their value, like pursuing subspecialty fellowships, as these credentials can facilitate advancement into roles with compensation that can trend upward toward $500,000 or more in the future.
More salary data for Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Walla Walla 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