Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Mequon, WI: $223,719 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Mequon, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $223,719 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mequon's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $239,528 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($385,723) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the radiology field in Mequon, Wisconsin, can expect an entry-level radiologist salary starting around $223,719 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the city’s median radiologist salary of $385,723, creating a clear gap for new professionals to bridge as they gain experience. For those embarking on their first career steps, it’s essential to realize that salaries can grow over time, moving from the entry-level range to the 25th percentile at $277,721 within the first few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Mequon presents a relatively favorable market for new graduates, especially in light of its below-average cost of living index of 93.4.
About the Mequon Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mequon
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 Mequon
Entry-level radiologists in Mequon, WI typically start between $223,719 and $277,721 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $270,828 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $385,723 — 12.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 125.16% of the starting radiologist pay ($223,719/year) in Mequon. 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 Mequon
- 1Research the Mequon market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $223,719 to $277,721, 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 Mequon, 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 Mequon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mequon'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 Mequon is $270,828 ( 121.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $223,719, experienced hygienists can earn up to $494,547.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$188,578
2025 BLS Actual
$213,066
2026 Current Est.
$223,719
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Mequon (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $188,578 | Actual |
| 2022 | $185,682 | Actual |
| 2023 | $190,924 | Actual |
| 2024 | $197,442 | Actual |
| 2025 | $213,066 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $223,719 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $234,905 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Mequon, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $188,578 in 2021 to $213,066 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $234,905. New graduates entering the Mequon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mequon 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 Mequon
Employers in Mequon that are inclined to hire new graduates typically include academic medical centers and large private groups. Academic institutions often offer valuable subspecialty training and robust fellowship opportunities, while private practices may provide a more streamlined path from residency to partnership. Radiology candidates can enhance their starting pay prospects in Wisconsin through credentials such as an MD or DO degree, followed by completing a diagnostic radiology residency, obtaining ABR board certification, and potentially pursuing further fellowships. In the first three years of employment, radiologists can anticipate salary growth aligned with industry standards, where early-career professionals typically earn between $400,000 and $550,000 with W-2 employment options or around $500,000 to $700,000 when entering private practice. Understanding these dynamics and strategically pursuing additional certifications can significantly impact a new grad radiologist's pay trajectory in WI.
More salary data for Mequon, 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 Mequon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mequon 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