Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Meridian, ID: $297,386 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Meridian, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $297,386 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Meridian's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $312,052 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($512,735) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Idaho, aspiring radiologists should anticipate starting salaries around $297,386 in 2026 as they transition into their first roles. This figure, while significantly lower than the city median annual salary of $512,735, is common for entry-level positions in the medical field. New graduates can expect to elevate their pay over the next few years as they gain experience and move towards higher percentiles; for example, entry-level professionals moving up to a salary of $369,170 at the 25th percentile reflects a realistic progression. With continued demand for radiology services and a projected growth rate of 5.00% annually, the job market in Meridian appears to be favorable for newcomers.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Meridian
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 Meridian
Entry-level radiologists in Meridian, ID typically start between $297,386 and $369,170 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $447,419 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $512,735 — 16.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Idaho of $240,000 represents just 80.70% of the starting radiologist pay ($297,386/year) in Meridian. 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 Meridian
- 1Research the Meridian market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $297,386 to $369,170, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Meridian, 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 Meridian for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Meridian'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 Meridian is $447,419 ( 150.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $297,386, experienced hygienists can earn up to $744,805.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$250,674
2025 BLS Actual
$283,225
2026 Current Est.
$297,386
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Meridian (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $250,674 | Actual |
| 2022 | $246,824 | Actual |
| 2023 | $253,792 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,408 | Actual |
| 2025 | $283,225 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $297,386 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $312,256 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Meridian, ID grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $250,674 in 2021 to $283,225 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $312,256. New graduates entering the Meridian job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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 Meridian
Employers in Meridian looking for new graduate radiologists include well-established academic medical centers that provide diverse subspecialty training and fellowship opportunities, as well as large private practices that often promote from within their residency programs. Teleradiology firms are also a viable option, particularly for those seeking a remote-first lifestyle. Credentials play a vital role in enhancing starting pay in Idaho; candidates holding either an MD or DO with American Board of Radiology (ABR) certification significantly boost their hiring potential. In the early years of a radiology career, focusing on RVU productivity models and understanding the distinctions between private partnerships and hospital employment can inform strategic decisions. Radiology's evolving landscape—marked by increasing private equity involvement—affects growth trajectories, with many early-career professionals seeing substantial salary increases as they progress in their roles.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
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 Meridian. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Meridian 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