Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Chico, CA: $290,027 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Chico, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $290,027 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chico's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $256,434 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($500,046) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Chico, California presents a promising opportunity for new graduate radiologists entering the field, with starting salaries projected at $290,027 in 2026. While this initial compensation falls significantly below the city's median annual salary of $500,046, it still offers a strong foundation, especially considering the potential for growth in just a few years. Entry-level radiologists can expect to see their earnings increase towards the 25th percentile figure of $360,032 as they gather experience, insight, and skills within the first three to five years in practice. Given the competitive environment and the city's evolving medical landscape, Chico is positioning itself as a favorable market for those ready to begin their careers in radiology.
About the Chico Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chico
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 Chico
Entry-level radiologists in Chico, CA typically start between $290,027 and $360,032 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $433,082 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $500,046 — 13.16% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 117.23% of the starting radiologist pay ($290,027/year) in Chico. 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 Chico
- 1Research the Chico market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $290,027 to $360,032, 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 CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Chico, 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 Chico for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Chico's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Chico is $433,082 ( 149.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $290,027, experienced hygienists can earn up to $723,109.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$244,470
2025 BLS Actual
$276,216
2026 Current Est.
$290,027
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Chico (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $244,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $240,715 | Actual |
| 2023 | $247,511 | Actual |
| 2024 | $295,341 | Actual |
| 2025 | $276,216 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $290,027 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $304,528 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Chico, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $244,470 in 2021 to $276,216 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $304,528. New graduates entering the Chico job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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 Chico
Within the Chico region, various employers provide fertile ground for newly minted radiologists. Academic medical centers can offer broad subspecialty exposure along with fellowship opportunities, while larger private practices often hire residents with a pathway to partnership after 2-3 years. Teleradiology firms are increasingly enticing for their remote work options, often targeting fellowship-trained radiologists for their ongoing recruitment. For entry-level radiologists, obtaining board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and engaging in continuing education can enhance earning prospects. As candidates navigate their first years, they should understand the bifurcated nature of the field, with private partnerships generally providing higher compensation compared to hospital W-2 roles. In this evolving atmosphere, realistic growth expectations during the early years can reflect the broader shifts seen in radiology since 2018, particularly in the context of private equity influences on practice models.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
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 Chico. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chico 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