Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Downey, CA: $293,516 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Downey, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $293,516 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Downey's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $259,519 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($506,062) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the landscape for entry-level radiologists in Downey, California, presents a compelling starting point for new graduates. The entry-level salary, starting at approximately $293,516, reflects a meaningful gap from the median annual salary of $506,062 for radiologists in the area. For early-career professionals making this transition, realistic salary growth can be anticipated over the first few years, as new graduates typically progress toward the 25th percentile at around $364,365 and close the gap gradually to reach the median salary potential. With the 5.00% growth trajectory projected for the field, Downey appears to be a favorable market for new grad radiologists looking to establish their careers in a thriving, albeit competitive environment.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Downey
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 Downey
Entry-level radiologists in Downey, CA typically start between $293,516 and $364,365 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $451,920 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $506,062 — 14.52% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 115.84% of the starting radiologist pay ($293,516/year) in Downey. 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 Downey
- 1Research the Downey market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $293,516 to $364,365, 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 Downey, 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 Downey for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Downey'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 Downey is $451,920 ( 153.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $293,516, experienced hygienists can earn up to $745,436.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$247,411
2025 BLS Actual
$279,539
2026 Current Est.
$293,516
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Downey (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $247,411 | Actual |
| 2022 | $243,611 | Actual |
| 2023 | $250,489 | Actual |
| 2024 | $298,894 | Actual |
| 2025 | $279,539 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $293,516 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $308,192 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Downey, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $247,411 in 2021 to $279,539 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $308,192. New graduates entering the Downey job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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 Downey
Securing an entry-level position as a radiologist in Downey often hinges on where one seeks employment. Academic medical centers frequently hire new graduates, offering comprehensive training and fellowship opportunities that can enhance career prospects significantly. Large private partnerships are also viable options, typically welcoming candidates straight from residency into structured trajectories lasting 2-3 years before partnership is attainable. Radiology groups specializing in teleradiology hire fellowship-trained professionals for remote work, which appeals to many new graduates for its flexibility. To maximize starting pay, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are crucial. As the radiology field bifurcates between private practice and hospital employment models, understanding the dynamics of partnership versus W-2 arrangements is essential for new graduates. With realistic expectations, those entering the workforce in this vibrant market can predict favorable salary growth in their first years, aligning their skills and ambitions with the changing landscape of their profession.
More salary data for Downey, 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 Downey. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Downey 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