Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Onalaska, WI: $228,039 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Onalaska, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $228,039 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Onalaska's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $244,153 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($393,171) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level radiologist salary in Onalaska, WI, starts at around $228,039. Although this figure is significantly below the city median salary of $393,171, new graduates can expect upward mobility as they progress in their careers. Over the first three to five years, earnings could rise to approximately $283,083 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the median as experience is gained and skills are honed. Given these figures, Onalaska presents a moderately lucrative market for new grads, particularly considering the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, which indicates favorable conditions for early-career radiologists who leverage their training effectively.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Onalaska
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 Onalaska
Entry-level radiologists in Onalaska, WI typically start between $228,039 and $283,083 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $276,768 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $393,171 — 11.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 122.79% of the starting radiologist pay ($228,039/year) in Onalaska. 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 Onalaska
- 1Research the Onalaska market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $228,039 to $283,083, 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 Onalaska, 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 Onalaska for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Onalaska'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 Onalaska is $276,768 ( 121.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $228,039, experienced hygienists can earn up to $504,807.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$192,219
2025 BLS Actual
$217,180
2026 Current Est.
$228,039
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Onalaska (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $192,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $189,267 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,256 | Actual |
| 2025 | $217,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $228,039 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $239,441 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Onalaska, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $192,219 in 2021 to $217,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $239,441. New graduates entering the Onalaska job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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 Onalaska
In Onalaska, various employers are open to hiring new grad radiologists, including hospitals and larger private practices, which often offer diverse subspecialty experiences and potential pathways to partnerships. Many employers are emphasizing the importance of holding an MD or DO degree, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification, which afford early-career professionals a boost in starting pay. Those looking to enhance their credentials may consider pursuing additional fellowship training, which can lead to higher income potential down the road. For those in their first few years, understanding the nuances between private partnerships and W-2 employment is critical, especially as the radiology field changes with private equity influences on partnership structures. In a competitive market like Onalaska, realistic salary growth trajectories will depend on individual performance and alignment with market demands, setting the stage for significant earnings potential as career paths advance.
More salary data for Onalaska, 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 Onalaska. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Onalaska 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