Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Eau Claire, WI: $241,800 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Eau Claire, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $241,800 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Eau Claire's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $258,887 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($416,896) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level radiologist salary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is projected to start at around $241,800. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale, while the median annual salary for radiologists in the city is expected to reach $416,896. For new graduates, this creates a significant income gap, highlighting the challenge of transitioning from residency to practice. Over the first few years, entry-level radiologists can anticipate gradual growth in their pay. Positions that start near the 10th percentile often trend upward to the 25th percentile, ultimately reaching median rates within approximately 3-5 years. Given the competitive nature of the market and the current salary projections, Eau Claire presents a viable opportunity for new radiology graduates looking to kickstart their careers.
About the Eau Claire Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Eau Claire
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 Eau Claire
Entry-level radiologists in Eau Claire, WI typically start between $241,800 and $300,166 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $333,371 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $416,896 — 5.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 115.80% of the starting radiologist pay ($241,800/year) in Eau Claire. 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 Eau Claire
- 1Research the Eau Claire market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $241,800 to $300,166, 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 Eau Claire, 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 Eau Claire for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Eau Claire'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 Eau Claire is $333,371 ( 137.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $241,800, experienced hygienists can earn up to $575,171.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$203,819
2025 BLS Actual
$230,286
2026 Current Est.
$241,800
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Eau Claire (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $203,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $200,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,354 | Actual |
| 2024 | $213,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $230,286 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $241,800 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $253,890 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Eau Claire, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $203,819 in 2021 to $230,286 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $253,890. New graduates entering the Eau Claire job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire
For new graduates starting their careers in radiology within Eau Claire, various employers round out the hiring landscape. Academic medical centers in the area typically offer not just job positions but also access to fellowship pipelines that can accelerate career advancement. Large private partnerships frequently recruit new hires directly from residency programs, with eventual pathways to partnership that can take 2-3 years. For those interested in a flexible lifestyle, teleradiology firms are increasingly hiring fellowship-trained radiologists for remote work opportunities. New graduates aiming to enhance their starting pay in Wisconsin should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials, including an MD or DO, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification. Continuing education, including optional subspecialty fellowships, can further boost earning potential. Given the bifurcation in radiology employment structures—private partnerships typically offering $500k-$700k for seasoned partners versus hospital W-2 positions around $400k-$550k—the trajectory for salary growth in the first three years can be promising, with strategic career planning allowing radiologists to navigate early employment successfully.
More salary data for Eau Claire, 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 Eau Claire. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Eau Claire 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