Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Westminster, CO: $270,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Westminster, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $270,625 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Westminster's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $257,738 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($466,595) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiology is a lucrative field, but new graduates can expect to start their careers with a salary of around $270,625 in Westminster, Colorado in 2026. This figure sits below the city’s median annual salary for radiologists, which is projected at $466,595, illustrating the typical gap between entry-level positions and experienced roles. New grads have a clear path for increasing their salaries as they gain experience; within the first few years, they might see their earnings rise from the 10th percentile to as high as $335,949 at the 25th percentile. Westminster's market is favorable for recent graduates, as the demand for radiologists remains robust, providing various opportunities to advance through targeted specialties or general practice.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Westminster
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 Westminster
Entry-level radiologists in Westminster, CO typically start between $270,625 and $335,949 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $410,126 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $466,595 — 5.59% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 103.46% of the starting radiologist pay ($270,625/year) in Westminster. 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 Westminster
- 1Research the Westminster market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $270,625 to $335,949, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Westminster, 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 Westminster for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Westminster'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 Westminster is $410,126 ( 151.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $270,625, experienced hygienists can earn up to $680,751.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$228,116
2025 BLS Actual
$257,738
2026 Current Est.
$270,625
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Westminster (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $228,116 | Actual |
| 2022 | $224,612 | Actual |
| 2023 | $230,954 | Actual |
| 2024 | $238,839 | Actual |
| 2025 | $257,738 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $270,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $284,156 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Westminster, CO grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $228,116 in 2021 to $257,738 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $284,156. New graduates entering the Westminster job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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 Westminster
When considering your career trajectory as a new radiologist in Westminster, several local employers stand out. Academic medical centers often provide new grads with invaluable experience in subspecialties, while large private practices may offer partnership tracks, appealing to those looking to advance over a 2-3 year period post-residency. Teleradiology firms, which have become increasingly popular, offer remote roles where fellowship-trained radiologists can thrive in a non-traditional lifestyle. In terms of credentials, an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification will influence your starting pay. Additionally, pursuing optional fellowships can open doors to higher compensation pathways. Understanding the distinct salaries associated with various employment types—W-2 positions, private partnerships, and subspecialty interventional radiology—will help you navigate your early years effectively, allowing for a gradual salary increase as you establish your place in Westminster's medical community.
More salary data for Westminster, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Westminster in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Westminster?
Is radiology school worth it in Westminster?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Westminster?
How do I become a radiologist in Colorado?
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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 Westminster. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Westminster 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