Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in South Milwaukee, WI: $227,428 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the South Milwaukee, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $227,428 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Milwaukee's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $243,499 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($392,116) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiology in South Milwaukee can expect to start their careers with an entry-level radiologist salary around $227,428. While this figure reflects early-stage compensation, it is significantly lower than the median salary in the city, which stands at $392,116. For those embarking on their radiology journey, it is essential to have realistic expectations regarding salary growth, as early-career radiologists can anticipate reaching approximately $282,324 within a few years, progressing steadily towards the median. Given these figures and the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, South Milwaukee presents a moderately stable market for new graduates to establish their careers and build a solid financial foundation in the radiology field.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Milwaukee
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 South Milwaukee
Entry-level radiologists in South Milwaukee, WI typically start between $227,428 and $282,324 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $310,878 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $392,116 — 11.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 123.12% of the starting radiologist pay ($227,428/year) in South Milwaukee. 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 South Milwaukee
- 1Research the South Milwaukee market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $227,428 to $282,324, 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 South Milwaukee, 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 South Milwaukee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Milwaukee'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 South Milwaukee is $310,878 ( 136.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $227,428, experienced hygienists can earn up to $538,306.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$191,704
2025 BLS Actual
$216,598
2026 Current Est.
$227,428
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in South Milwaukee (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $191,704 | Actual |
| 2022 | $188,760 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,089 | Actual |
| 2024 | $200,715 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,598 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $227,428 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $238,799 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in South Milwaukee, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $191,704 in 2021 to $216,598 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $238,799. New graduates entering the South Milwaukee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee
A variety of employers in South Milwaukee actively seek newly graduated radiologists, often providing distinct advantages that facilitate career growth. Academic medical centers are an excellent option for those who wish to explore subspecialty opportunities while building a fellowship pipeline. Concurrently, large private practices generally tap into their residency networks, offering a structured path toward partnership within 2-3 years. For those interested in flexibility, teleradiology firms present a strong option, allowing fellowship-trained radiologists to work remotely. To maximize starting pay in Wisconsin, it is crucial for physicians to hold an MD or DO degree, complete a diagnostic radiology residency, secure ABR board certification, and consider completing optional subspecialty fellowships. With the distinct separation between private partnerships and hospital W-2 employment in the field—a dynamic that has shifted since significant private equity acquisitions—new radiologists should clearly understand their career paths in the first few years. In a context where typical salaries between $400k-$550k are standard for W-2 positions, realistic growth from these initial figures shows potential for substantial income increases as experience accumulates over the first few years.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, 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 South Milwaukee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Milwaukee 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