Radiologist Salary in Helena, MT: $494,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Helena, MT earns a median $494,206/year (≈ $237.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Helena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $513,728 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologists in Helena, MT, can expect a median annual salary of $494,206 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national figure of $441,903. The projected salary range for practitioners spans from $286,640 at the lower end to $677,636 at the higher end, offering substantial opportunities depending on subspecialty, experience, and practice type. This market features a mix of general diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology (IR), and breast imaging, with differing compensation levels between these subspecialties—especially with IR roles often commanding a significant premium. These salary estimates are derived from state-level data, accounting for local economic conditions and the cost of living, which indicates the demanding nature of this field within Helena’s healthcare landscape.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $286,640 | $137.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $355,828 | $171.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $494,206 | $237.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $598,368 | $287.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $677,636 | $325.78 |
Median Salary Position
11.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Helena
In Helena, MT, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $390,996 (2026 est.). At $494,206, the local median is 11.84% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Helena: You'd be above the median
How Helena Radiologist Pay Compares
Helena median: $494,206/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Helena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $515,872 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | +11.84% more |
Radiologists in Helena, MT earn a median of $494,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.84% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $515,872.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Helena has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Helena, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A radiologist earning $494,206 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $513,728 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$387,223
2025 BLS Actual
$470,672
2026 Current Est.
$494,206
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Helena (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $387,223 | Actual |
| 2022 | $406,584 | Actual |
| 2023 | $426,913 | Actual |
| 2024 | $317,825 | Actual |
| 2025 | $470,672 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $494,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $518,916 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Helena metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $387,223 (2021) to $470,672 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $518,916 by 2027 — a total increase of $131,693 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $286,640 – $355,828 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $355,828 – $494,206 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $494,206 – $598,368 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $598,368 – $677,636 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Helena
The job market for radiologists in Helena currently employs a modest total of seven professionals, illustrating a highly specialized environment. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 96.2, radiologists in this region find their take-home purchasing power relatively favorable compared to national averages. Traditional job structures include private radiology group practices and hospital-employed departments, with private partnerships often yielding higher rewards that can reach upwards of $500,000 to $700,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include RVU productivity, subspecialty focus, and whether the role involves partnership equity. Maximizing potential earnings can involve seeking teleradiology opportunities for additional income and assessing roles that offer a mix of daytime and after-hours responsibilities, particularly in IR and other high-demand subspecialties. As the local market evolves, understanding these nuances becomes essential for radiologists aiming to navigate their careers effectively in Helena.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $470,672 for radiologistsin the Helena metropolitan area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Helena 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