Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $232,605 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Sun Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $232,605 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sun Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $249,042 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($401,043) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate entering the field of radiology in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, can expect a starting salary around $232,605 in 2026. While this is substantially below the projected median annual salary of $401,043 for all radiologists in the area, there’s a clear pathway for progression as early-career professionals gain experience. In the first few years, entry-level wages may climb towards the $288,751 mark as proficiency develops, allowing early-career radiologists to cover ground quickly. The overall market in Sun Prairie appears promising for newly graduated radiologists, with a solid growth trajectory and relatively supportive healthcare environment, despite the initial salary being below the national median radiologist salary of $441,903.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sun Prairie
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 Sun Prairie
Entry-level radiologists in Sun Prairie, WI typically start between $232,605 and $288,751 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $327,561 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $401,043 — 9.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 120.38% of the starting radiologist pay ($232,605/year) in Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie
- 1Research the Sun Prairie market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $232,605 to $288,751, 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 Sun Prairie, 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 Sun Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sun Prairie'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 Sun Prairie is $327,561 ( 140.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $232,605, experienced hygienists can earn up to $560,166.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$196,068
2025 BLS Actual
$221,529
2026 Current Est.
$232,605
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Sun Prairie (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $196,068 | Actual |
| 2022 | $193,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $198,508 | Actual |
| 2024 | $205,285 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $232,605 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $244,236 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Sun Prairie, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $196,068 in 2021 to $221,529 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $244,236. New graduates entering the Sun Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
Opportunities for entry-level radiologists in Sun Prairie are concentrated among various healthcare institutions. Local academic medical centers often cater to new grads, providing exposure to a wide range of sub-specialty training and potential pathways into fellowships. Additionally, large private practices and teleradiology firms are known to recruit recent radiology residents; these positions often lead to quicker paths toward partnership status, with typical earnings of $500,000 to $700,000 for those who succeed. Securing relevant credentials, such as ABR board certification and DEA registration, will significantly impact starting pay in Wisconsin. New graduates should consider focusing on improving their skills in RVU productivity models, as this knowledge can enhance salary potential in the competitive market. Given the restructuring of partnership tracks since the rise of private equity in radiology, first-year earnings may experience moderate increases, underscoring the importance of strategic career moves within the first 1-3 years.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, 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 Sun Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sun Prairie 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