Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Dubuque, IA: $267,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Dubuque, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $267,451 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dubuque's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $295,853 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($461,122) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in Dubuque, Iowa, the starting radiologist salary is projected at $267,451 in 2026. This figure establishes a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $461,122, indicating that early-career professionals can anticipate several years of salary growth as they gain experience and become more integrated into their roles. New radiologists can expect a gradual progression in their earnings, moving through the P25 salary bracket of $332,008 as they build their expertise, with potential to reach the median after honing their skills for approximately three to five years. Given that the radiology job market in Dubuque is improving, with a competitive entry-level offer, it presents a viable option for graduates looking to start their careers in a more affordable environment relative to national averages.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dubuque
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 Dubuque
Entry-level radiologists in Dubuque, IA typically start between $267,451 and $332,008 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $385,779 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $461,122 — 4.35% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Iowa of $240,000 represents just 89.74% of the starting radiologist pay ($267,451/year) in Dubuque. 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 Dubuque
- 1Research the Dubuque market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $267,451 to $332,008, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dubuque, 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 Dubuque for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dubuque's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Dubuque is $385,779 ( 144.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $267,451, experienced hygienists can earn up to $653,230.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$225,440
2025 BLS Actual
$254,715
2026 Current Est.
$267,451
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Dubuque (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $225,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $221,978 | Actual |
| 2023 | $228,245 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,001 | Actual |
| 2025 | $254,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $267,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $280,823 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dubuque, IA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $225,440 in 2021 to $254,715 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $280,823. New graduates entering the Dubuque job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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 Dubuque
Conversely, aspiring entry-level radiologists in Dubuque should consider where they might secure their first positions, as various employers are known for hiring new graduates in this specialty. Academic medical centers often provide exposure to a wide array of subspecialties and assist in pursuing fellowships, while large private practice partnerships typically recruit from residency and offer structured tracks toward partnership over a span of two to three years. Additionally, teleradiology firms cater to those valuing a remote-first work lifestyle, though they usually prefer fellowship-trained radiologists. A solid foundation of credentials, including an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency accredited by the ABR, and possibly seeking board certification, will enhance earning potential in this market. In the first few years, entry-level salaries are expected to increase as radiologists decide between traditional W-2 employment with median salaries around $400,000-$550,000 or explore private partnership routes that can lead to earnings well into the $500,000 to $700,000 range. These dynamics place a spotlight on the importance of strategic career planning and networking for new radiologists navigating their early professional journey in Dubuque.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
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 Dubuque. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dubuque 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