Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Peoria, IL: $249,499 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $249,499 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $256,951 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($430,171) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Peoria, Illinois, the starting salary can be a significant consideration. In 2026, entry-level positions offer a projected salary starting at $249,499. While this may seem modest compared to the median annual salary for radiologists in the area at $430,171, it is essential for new radiologists to focus on realistic expectations. New professionals can anticipate salary growth, moving from the P10 to the P25, which is projected at $309,724, within the first few years of their careers. Peoria presents an accessible market for new graduates, making it an attractive area to begin a medical career, especially given the competitive salaries and annual growth rate of 5.00% in the field.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level radiologists in Peoria, IL typically start between $249,499 and $309,724 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $390,327 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $430,171 — 2.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 136.27% of the starting radiologist pay ($249,499/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $249,499 to $309,724, 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria'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 Peoria is $390,327 ( 156.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $249,499, experienced hygienists can earn up to $639,826.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$210,308
2025 BLS Actual
$237,618
2026 Current Est.
$249,499
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Peoria (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $210,308 | Actual |
| 2022 | $207,078 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,925 | Actual |
| 2024 | $220,195 | Actual |
| 2025 | $237,618 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $249,499 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $261,974 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $210,308 in 2021 to $237,618 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $261,974. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
Employment opportunities for entry-level radiologists in Peoria primarily come from various institutions, including academic medical centers, large private partnerships, and teleradiology firms. Academic medical centers are particularly appealing as they offer opportunities for fellowship training and subspecialty development, which can boost starting pay. Essential credentials, such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification, are crucial for enhancing job prospects and salary potential. As new graduates navigate the job market, understanding the differences between private partnerships, hospital employment, and subspecialty work can provide clarity on salary trajectories, particularly in a region where first-year earnings have the potential to grow considerably. Focusing on professional development and potentially pursuing fellowships can also ensure upward mobility in an industry where initial salaries and partnership structures have shifted due to recent market trends.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peoria 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