Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Fitchburg, WI: $237,992 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Fitchburg, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $237,992 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fitchburg's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $254,809 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($410,332) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering a career in radiology in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, the entry-level radiologist salary offers essential insights into initial expectations. In 2026, starting salaries are anticipated to be around $237,992, representing a significant gap compared to the median annual salary in the city of $410,332. This discrepancy indicates room for growth, as entry-level positions typically progress from initial pay through the 25th percentile at $295,439 and ultimately align with the median income over the first few years—a trajectory supported by an overall annual growth rate of 5.00%. Given this data, Fitchburg presents itself as a reasonable market for new radiology graduates, offering opportunities for advancement and a viable path for building a rewarding career in medicine.
About the Fitchburg Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fitchburg
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 Fitchburg
Entry-level radiologists in Fitchburg, WI typically start between $237,992 and $295,439 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $328,333 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $410,332 — 7.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 117.65% of the starting radiologist pay ($237,992/year) in Fitchburg. 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 Fitchburg
- 1Research the Fitchburg market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $237,992 to $295,439, 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 Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fitchburg'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 Fitchburg is $328,333 ( 137.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $237,992, experienced hygienists can earn up to $566,325.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$200,609
2025 BLS Actual
$226,659
2026 Current Est.
$237,992
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Fitchburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $200,609 | Actual |
| 2022 | $197,528 | Actual |
| 2023 | $203,104 | Actual |
| 2024 | $210,039 | Actual |
| 2025 | $226,659 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $237,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $249,892 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fitchburg, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $200,609 in 2021 to $226,659 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $249,892. New graduates entering the Fitchburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg
When exploring potential employers in Fitchburg, new grad radiologists can look towards local academic medical centers, large private practices, and teleradiology firms. These organizations often have established pathways for recent graduates from residency programs, enabling them to capitalize on fellowship training. Key qualifications such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification pave the way for improved starting compensation. Building a career in this field requires strategic decisions, especially for early-career professionals weighing options between W-2 hospital employment and private partnerships, where compensation structures can be significantly different. Entry-level salaries typically facilitate a gradual increase in pay within the first 1-3 years, with competitive environments stimulated by changes in the industry due to private equity influences on partnership tracks.
More salary data for Fitchburg, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Fitchburg in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Fitchburg?
Is radiology school worth it in Fitchburg?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Fitchburg?
How do I become a radiologist in Wisconsin?
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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 Fitchburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fitchburg 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