Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Jacksonville, FL: $84,252 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Jacksonville, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,252 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 99.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,689 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($404,240) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Jacksonville, Florida, the projected starting salary of $84,252 in 2026 sets the stage for what to expect in their early careers. This figure represents the 10th percentile for entry-level radiologists, illustrating a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $404,240. Over the first three to five years, early-career professionals can anticipate a gradual salary increase, moving from the entry-level range toward the median as they gain experience and potentially pursue additional subspecialty training. Given the current market conditions, Jacksonville presents a viable opportunity for new rad graduates, especially with an expected growth rate of 5.00% annually, which suggests sustainability in job openings and salary progression.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville
Entry-level radiologists in Jacksonville, FL typically start between $84,252 and $84,252 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $481,593 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $404,240 — 8.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Florida of $260,000 represents just 308.60% of the starting radiologist pay ($84,252/year) in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $84,252 to $84,252, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville is $481,593 ( 571.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,252, experienced hygienists can earn up to $565,845.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$71,018
2025 BLS Actual
$80,240
2026 Current Est.
$84,252
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Jacksonville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $71,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,927 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,901 | Actual |
| 2024 | $242,153 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,252 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,465 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, FL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,018 in 2021 to $80,240 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,465. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Various employers in the Jacksonville area actively recruit new graduates, including prominent academic medical centers that provide a solid foundation for subspecialty training and fellowships. Large private practices often hire radiologists from residency programs, presenting a structured path toward partnership in 2-3 years, while teleradiology firms are increasingly appealing for their remote work options. To enhance starting salaries in Florida, having a strong educational background—including an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification—is essential. Furthermore, pursuing one to two years of subspecialty fellowship training can create avenues for lucrative opportunities. During the initial years of practice, radiologists can expect realistic salary growth as they adapt to the market dynamics shaped by private equity acquisitions, with the partnership landscape evolving since 2018. By considering these factors, new graduates in the radiology field can strategically navigate their careers in a city that offers both challenges and rewards.
More salary data for Jacksonville, FL:
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 Jacksonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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