Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Redding, CA: $285,845 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Redding, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $285,845 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redding's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,737 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($492,835) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting radiologist salary in Redding, California, for 2026 is projected to be around $285,845, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $492,835. New graduates can expect to see a realistic growth trajectory, moving from that entry-level pay into the 25th percentile range of $354,841 within just a few years. This upward trend reflects a stable job market for physicians in Redding, where the demand for radiology services continues to grow. Comparing this entry-level pay to the national median of $441,903 reveals a favorable position for early-career radiologists in Redding, with local salaries projected to exceed the national average by approximately 11.53%.
About the Redding Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redding
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 Redding
Entry-level radiologists in Redding, CA typically start between $285,845 and $354,841 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $419,486 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $492,835 — 11.53% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 118.95% of the starting radiologist pay ($285,845/year) in Redding. 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 Redding
- 1Research the Redding market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $285,845 to $354,841, 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 Redding, 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 Redding for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Redding'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 Redding is $419,486 ( 146.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $285,845, experienced hygienists can earn up to $705,331.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$240,945
2025 BLS Actual
$272,233
2026 Current Est.
$285,845
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Redding (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $240,945 | Actual |
| 2022 | $237,244 | Actual |
| 2023 | $243,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $291,082 | Actual |
| 2025 | $272,233 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $285,845 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $300,137 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Redding, CA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $240,945 in 2021 to $272,233 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $300,137. New graduates entering the Redding job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redding 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 Redding
Hospital systems, private practices, and teleradiology firms are the primary employers hiring new grad radiologists in Redding. Academic centers often provide comprehensive subspecialty training, while large private groups typically recruit directly from residency programs, offering a clear path toward partnership. To enhance earning potential, residency fellows should aim for ABR board certification and possibly pursue additional subspecialty fellowships that align with their career goals. The first three years in this field provide critical opportunities for advancement, where entry-level salaries can increase significantly due to high RVU productivity, especially in private practice environments. Given the ongoing shifts in partnership models caused by private equity investments, understanding these dynamics can help new grads strategize their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Redding, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Redding in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Redding?
Is radiology school worth it in Redding?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Redding?
How do I become a radiologist in California?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Redding. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redding 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