Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Tempe, AZ: $253,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Tempe, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $253,526 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tempe's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $257,387 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($437,113) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates starting their careers as radiologists in Tempe, Arizona can expect to see entry-level salaries beginning at around $253,526 in 2026. While this starting figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $437,113, it still provides a firm foundation for growth within the field. The growth trajectory can be encouraging, as new radiologists typically aim to reach the 25th percentile salary of $314,722 within their initial years of practice. Given the city's current medical infrastructure and demand for radiology services, Tempe remains an attractive market for new grads, providing ample opportunity for not only career advancement but also the potential to specialize in various subspecialties, which could further elevate their earnings.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tempe
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 Tempe
Entry-level radiologists in Tempe, AZ typically start between $253,526 and $314,722 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $354,678 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $437,113 — 1.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Arizona of $260,000 represents just 102.55% of the starting radiologist pay ($253,526/year) in Tempe. 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 Tempe
- 1Research the Tempe market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $253,526 to $314,722, 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 AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Tempe, 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 Tempe for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tempe's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Tempe is $354,678 ( 139.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $253,526, experienced hygienists can earn up to $608,204.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$213,703
2025 BLS Actual
$241,453
2026 Current Est.
$253,526
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Tempe (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $213,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $210,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $216,361 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,274 | Actual |
| 2025 | $241,453 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $253,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $266,202 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tempe, AZ grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $213,703 in 2021 to $241,453 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $266,202. New graduates entering the Tempe job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tempe 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 Tempe
As you look to enter the job market, consider that multiple healthcare institutions in Tempe actively seek to hire new graduates, including academic medical centers and large private practices. These employers often provide robust pipelines for continued learning and career progression. A strong focus on credentials is essential for boosting initial salaries—securing your MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification are all critical steps. Additionally, while partnerships and hospital employment models offer different remuneration structures, understanding the implications of private equity acquisitions within radiology can influence your career decisions. There’s potential for salary growth in the first few years, as new entrants generally move towards more competitive compensation through experience and production metrics aligned with RVU models, solidifying their positions in the healthcare workforce within AZ.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
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 Tempe. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tempe 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