Senior Radiologist Salary in Spearfish, SD: $509,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Spearfish, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $509,760/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Spearfish's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $549,310 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For senior radiologists in Spearfish, South Dakota, the potential for top earnings is significant, with projections for 2026 indicating a salary range that extends to $509,760 at the 90th percentile. This marks a notable contrast when compared to the national average for senior radiologists, showcasing a meaningful opportunity for local professionals specializing in high-demand areas of radiology. Experienced radiologists typically command a median annual salary of $393,206, reflecting a considerable gap to the upper echelons of the field where those at the top end of the pay scale earn substantially more. Achieving such top-tier pay often involves a blend of advanced training, diverse experience, and specialization within key niches of radiology, all of which contribute to elevating one's market value in a competitive landscape.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spearfish
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Spearfish earn between $452,448 and $509,760 per year (2026 est.). This $281,700 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Spearfish median of $393,206 sits 11.02% below the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Spearfish | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $393,206 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $452,448 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $509,760 | $624,131 |
In Spearfish, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 29.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Spearfish
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $393,206 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Spearfish employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Spearfish command premium compensation, often reaching the $452,448–$509,760 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Spearfish metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Spearfish with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Radiologists in South Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Spearfish
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSpearfish ranks #8 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $509,760).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Spearfish ($509,760) is 16.3% below the South Dakota average P90 ($609,034).
2021 BLS Actual
$399,411
2025 BLS Actual
$485,486
2026 Current Est.
$509,760
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Spearfish (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $399,411 | Actual |
| 2022 | $419,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $440,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $368,308 | Actual |
| 2025 | $485,486 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $509,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $535,248 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Spearfish saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $399,411 in 2021 to $485,486 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.00% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $535,248 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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.
Maximizing Your Radiologist Earnings in Spearfish
Focusing on compensation specifics, certain radiology specializations tend to attract premium salaries within Spearfish. Fields like interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and breast imaging are among those that command additional pay, further influenced by the type of employer. Senior-level positions vary; for instance, partners in private radiology practices typically see compensation packages that exceed those of hospital-employed radiologists or academic roles. Career advancement opportunities, such as taking on roles as division chiefs or medical directors in teleradiology firms, also enhance earning potential. To stay competitive, obtaining advanced qualifications such as ABR board certification and completing subspecialty fellowships can lead to higher compensation. Additionally, non-salary factors, including RVU productivity and equity stakes in partnership arrangements, significantly influence total compensation for senior radiologists in SD, making strategic choices about career paths crucial for maximizing earnings in this field.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Spearfish in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Spearfish?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Spearfish?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Spearfish?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Spearfish?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $485,486 for radiologists in the Spearfish metro area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Spearfish 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