Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Appleton, WI: $236,605 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Appleton, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $236,605 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Appleton's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $253,324 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($407,940) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the radiology field in Appleton, Wisconsin can expect an entry-level radiologist salary on the lower end of the spectrum, with starting pay projected at $236,605. This figure reflects a significant gap compared to the overall median annual salary of $407,940 for radiologists in the area. As early-career professionals progress in their first few years, they may see their salaries increase towards the $293,717 mark at the 25th percentile, eventually reaching the median as they gain experience and enhance their skills. Appleton currently presents a moderate market for new grad radiologists, particularly given its relatively low cost of living index at 93.4, which can make it an attractive option for those just starting their careers.
About the Appleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Appleton
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 Appleton
Entry-level radiologists in Appleton, WI typically start between $236,605 and $293,717 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $323,207 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $407,940 — 7.69% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 118.34% of the starting radiologist pay ($236,605/year) in Appleton. 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 Appleton
- 1Research the Appleton market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $236,605 to $293,717, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Appleton, 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 Appleton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Appleton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Appleton is $323,207 ( 136.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $236,605, experienced hygienists can earn up to $559,812.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$199,440
2025 BLS Actual
$225,338
2026 Current Est.
$236,605
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Appleton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $199,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $196,376 | Actual |
| 2023 | $201,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $208,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $225,338 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $236,605 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $248,435 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Appleton, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $199,440 in 2021 to $225,338 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $248,435. New graduates entering the Appleton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Appleton 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 Appleton
A range of healthcare employers in Appleton offer opportunities for new graduates in radiology. Academic medical centers typically provide a broad scope of subspecialty training and access to fellowship programs, while larger private practices often prefer to hire from among residency graduates, presenting a 2-3 year partnership track. Conversely, teleradiology firms continue to seek fellowship-trained radiologists, allowing them to work remotely, which can be appealing for those valuing flexibility. To enhance entry-level pay in Wisconsin, candidates should focus on securing an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification. In the first three years, radiologists can expect realistic annual growth in their salaries, though these prospects may vary significantly depending on whether one pursues opportunities in private partnerships, hospital employment, or specialized fields like interventional radiology. Given the current trends in private equity acquisitions within the sector, the landscape of radiology careers in Appleton remains dynamic and complex.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
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 Appleton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Appleton 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