Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Malden, MA: $278,976 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Malden, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $278,976 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Malden's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $257,121 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($480,992) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the radiology field in Malden, Massachusetts, the starting salary paints a promising picture. In 2026, the initial pay is projected at around $278,976, which may feel modest compared to the median annual salary for the region of $480,992. This discrepancy highlights the progressive growth typically experienced by entry-level professionals: with experience, salaries can rise to approximately $346,314 at the 25th percentile and continue toward the median as they build their expertise. For recent MDs or DOs, the Malden market offers a reasonable opportunity, bolstered by an annual growth rate of 5.00%. The competitive nature of the field suggests that newly minted radiologists can expect their compensation to increase substantially as they settle into their first roles.
About the Malden Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Malden
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 Malden
Entry-level radiologists in Malden, MA typically start between $278,976 and $346,314 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $395,477 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $480,992 — 8.85% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Massachusetts of $400,000 represents just 143.38% of the starting radiologist pay ($278,976/year) in Malden. 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 Malden
- 1Research the Malden market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $278,976 to $346,314, 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 Malden, 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 Malden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Malden'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 Malden is $395,477 ( 141.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $278,976, experienced hygienists can earn up to $674,453.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$235,155
2025 BLS Actual
$265,691
2026 Current Est.
$278,976
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Malden (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $235,155 | Actual |
| 2022 | $231,543 | Actual |
| 2023 | $238,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $258,835 | Actual |
| 2025 | $265,691 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $278,976 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $292,924 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Malden, MA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $235,155 in 2021 to $265,691 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $292,924. New graduates entering the Malden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Malden 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 Malden
In Malden, various employers are positioned to welcome new graduates into the radiology field, significantly impacting their career trajectories. Academic medical centers frequently provide avenues for subspecialty training and fellowship programs, allowing fresh doctors to enrich their skills while in practice. Furthermore, large private partnerships typically attract candidates who aim for steady progression to partnership roles, which can rewarding in the long term. Radiologists seeking a remote-first lifestyle may find opportunities with teleradiology firms, though these positions generally require fellowship training. Credentials matter immensely in this competitive market; obtaining board certification from the ABR, for instance, can elevate one’s starting pay. As radiology compensation models bifurcate into partnerships and hospital employment, newcomers should align their early years strategically to position themselves for lucrative pathways that may yield salaries approaching $500,000 to $700,000 within a few years. For 1-3 year salary growth in this market, realistic expectations hover around a steady upward movement, making Malden an attractive option for those starting their careers in radiology.
More salary data for Malden, MA:
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 Malden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Malden 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