Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Bloomington, IL: $241,425 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Bloomington, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $241,425 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $248,635 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($416,250) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a starting radiologist in Bloomington, Illinois, can anticipate a salary around $241,425. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, it has the potential for significant growth over time. The city's median salary for radiologists stands at $416,250, creating a noticeable gap for new graduates entering the field. Over the first three to five years, early-career radiologists can expect to advance to approximately $299,700, illustrating a clear upward trajectory in their salaries. Overall, Bloomington appears to be a favorable market for new graduates, particularly given the competitive rates and growth opportunities in the region.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
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 Bloomington
Entry-level radiologists in Bloomington, IL typically start between $241,425 and $299,700 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $354,700 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $416,250 — 5.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 140.83% of the starting radiologist pay ($241,425/year) in Bloomington. 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 Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $241,425 to $299,700, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bloomington, 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 Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington'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 Bloomington is $354,700 ( 146.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $241,425, experienced hygienists can earn up to $596,125.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$203,503
2025 BLS Actual
$229,929
2026 Current Est.
$241,425
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Bloomington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $203,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $200,377 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,035 | Actual |
| 2024 | $213,069 | Actual |
| 2025 | $229,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $241,425 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $253,497 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $203,503 in 2021 to $229,929 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $253,497. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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 Bloomington
Looking at the job market for radiologists, several key employers in Bloomington hire new graduates, including academic medical centers that offer comprehensive fellowship pipelines and diverse subspecialty training opportunities. Additionally, large private partnerships often recruit from residency programs, providing a pathway to partnership roles within two to three years. For those seeking flexibility, teleradiology firms may offer remote-first positions primarily suited for fellowship-trained radiologists. Credentials such as an MD or DO, successful completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and board certification from the ABR are crucial for increasing entry-level pay in Illinois. New grads are encouraged to focus on networking, considering the bifurcation in the radiology job market between private partnerships and hospital employment, where salary projections can vary considerably. Many radiologists can realistically look forward to gradual salary increases as they gain experience, aligning with broader industry trends.
More salary data for Bloomington, IL:
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 Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington 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