Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Fitchburg, MA: $274,268 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Fitchburg, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $274,268 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fitchburg's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,782 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($472,876) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiology can anticipate starting salaries in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, around $274,268 annually. This figure represents the lower end of the scale for entry-level positions in a market where the overall median salary is projected to be $472,876. Consequently, there is a substantial gap between entry-level pay and the city median, highlighting the typical growth trajectory for early-career radiologists. Over the first few years, salaries are expected to rise, with prospects reaching approximately $340,471 at the 25th percentile. Such figures suggest that Fitchburg presents a feasible opportunity for new radiologists, particularly as the field anticipates a healthy annual growth rate of 5.00% in salaries, making it an attractive local job market for fresh graduates.
About the Fitchburg Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fitchburg
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 Fitchburg
Entry-level radiologists in Fitchburg, MA typically start between $274,268 and $340,471 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $370,893 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $472,876 — 7.01% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Massachusetts of $400,000 represents just 145.84% of the starting radiologist pay ($274,268/year) in Fitchburg. 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 Fitchburg
- 1Research the Fitchburg market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $274,268 to $340,471, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fitchburg'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 Fitchburg is $370,893 ( 135.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $274,268, experienced hygienists can earn up to $645,161.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$231,187
2025 BLS Actual
$261,208
2026 Current Est.
$274,268
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Fitchburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $231,187 | Actual |
| 2022 | $227,636 | Actual |
| 2023 | $234,063 | Actual |
| 2024 | $254,467 | Actual |
| 2025 | $261,208 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $274,268 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $287,982 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fitchburg, MA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $231,187 in 2021 to $261,208 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $287,982. New graduates entering the Fitchburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg
Fitchburg’s job market for radiologists includes a mix of potential employers looking to hire entry-level talent. Academic medical centers are ideal for those seeking diverse subspecialty experience and fellowship opportunities. Alternatively, large private partnerships often recruit from residency programs, offering pathways to partnership over 2-3 years. Teleradiology firms also present options, primarily for fellowship-trained radiologists who favor a flexible working arrangement. To maximize starting pay in Massachusetts, new graduates should ensure they possess the requisite MD or DO degree, complete a diagnostic radiology residency, achieve ABR board certification, and might even consider additional subspecialty fellowships. In their initial years, it is essential for new radiologists to understand the bifurcated nature of the field—private partnerships generally offer compensation ranging from $500,000 to $700,000, while hospital-employed positions typically yield $400,000 to $550,000. Gradual salary growth in the first three years could set the stage for an increase towards the median, giving entry-level radiologists a promising outlook in Fitchburg's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Fitchburg, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Fitchburg in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Fitchburg?
Is radiology school worth it in Fitchburg?
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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 Fitchburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fitchburg 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