Radiologist Pay

Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Daphne, AL: $238,826 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Daphne, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $238,826 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daphne's local price level (BEA RPP 87.912% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $271,702 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($411,768) within a few years of clinical practice.

$238,826
Starting Salary
$114.82/hr
Starting Hourly
$238,826
Entry Level
$411,768
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologist Entry Level Salary in Daphne, AL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Daphne, AL radiologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

A starting position for a radiologist in Daphne, Alabama, typically commands an entry-level salary of around $238,826 in 2026. For new graduates stepping into the field, this figure may feel modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $411,768, highlighting a significant gap that can be navigated as one progresses in their career. Within the first three to five years, one can expect to move from this entry point to approximately $296,473, following a growth trajectory of 5.00% per year. This upward mobility offers a promising outlook for new doctors in Daphne, making it a viable market for early-career radiologists eager to build their expertise and salary potential.

About the Daphne Market

Salary estimated from Alabama average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Daphne

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$238,826/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$296,473/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$411,768/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$475,546/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daphne

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologists in Daphne. The median salary is $411,768, compared to the national median of $441,903.$214.9K$313.8K$412.7K$511.5K$610.4K$238.8K10th Pctl$296.5K25th Pctl$411.8KMedian$475.5K75th Pctl$581.3K90th PctlUS Median$441.9K

Entry-level radiologists in Daphne, AL typically start between $238,826 and $296,473 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $342,518 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $411,7686.82% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologist pay in the Daphne metro area.

Return on Investment

$220,000
Avg AL Program Cost
$238,826
Starting Salary
92.12%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiology program cost in Alabama of $220,000 represents just 92.12% of the starting radiologist pay ($238,826/year) in Daphne. 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 Daphne

  • 1Research the Daphne market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $238,826 to $296,473, 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 AL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Daphne, 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 Daphne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Daphne'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 Daphne is $342,518 ( 143.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $238,826, experienced hygienists can earn up to $581,344.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$201,312

2025 BLS Actual

$227,453

2026 Current Est.

$238,826

2021–2027 Growth

+24.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Daphne (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologists in Daphne. Baseline $201,312 in 2025, projected to $250,767 by 2027.$153.3K$181.7K$210.1K$238.6K$267.0K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$201.3K$198.2K$203.8K$169.5K$227.5K$238.8K$250.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$201,312Actual
2022$198,220Actual
2023$203,816Actual
2024$169,517Actual
2025$227,453Actual
2026(current)$238,826Estimated
2027$250,767Projected

Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Daphne, AL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $201,312 in 2021 to $227,453 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $250,767. New graduates entering the Daphne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daphne metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Daphne

In the Daphne region, a variety of employers are actively seeking to onboard new graduate radiologists. Academic medical centers provide a wealth of opportunities, often incorporating fellowship options that can lead to higher future earnings. Large private partnerships tend to hire directly from residency programs, creating pathways for new hires to eventually achieve partnership status, which can yield significant financial rewards that typically range from $500,000 to $700,000 in the long term. Meanwhile, those interested in a flexible lifestyle might find opportunities with teleradiology firms, which often prefer fellowship-trained graduates. To boost starting pay, credentials like obtaining ABR board certification alongside a diagnostic radiology residency are critical, and some may choose to pursue additional fellowship training. Realistically, after their first year, new graduates could anticipate improvements in salary, although growth will vary significantly based on the chosen career path—whether private practice or W-2 hospital employment. Understanding these dynamics and establishing connections within the community can also enhance prospects for new radiologists in Daphne, AL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologists in Daphne in 2026?

Entry-level radiologists in Daphne start at approximately $238,826/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.00% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $114.82/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Daphne?

Most radiologists in Daphne progress from the entry-level salary of $238,826 to the area median of $411,768 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $581,344 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiology school worth it in Daphne?

With a starting salary of $238,826/year in Daphne and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologists make right out of school in Daphne?

New radiology graduates in Daphne typically start near the 10th percentile at $238,826/year, or approximately $114.82/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologist in Alabama?

To become a licensed radiologist in Alabama, you typically need md or do degree (4 years), 1-year internship, 4-year diagnostic radiology residency (acgme-accredited), american board of radiology (abr) board certification. optional 1-2 year subspecialty fellowships in interventional radiology, neuroradiology, breast imaging, body imaging, musculoskeletal, pediatric, or nuclear medicine., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Alabama, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Alabama

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Lisa Gonzalez, MD

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 Daphne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Daphne is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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