Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Methuen, MA: $274,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Methuen, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $274,163 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Methuen's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,685 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($472,695) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as a radiologist in Methuen, Massachusetts, the entry-level salary typically starts around $274,163 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the expected salary range for new graduates, which reflects a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $472,695. Early-career radiologists can expect to see a gradual increase in their earnings as they move from the P10 level up through the P25, where salaries reach around $340,341. This trajectory can provide a strong foundation for salary growth within the first three to five years of practice, allowing new grads to potentially close the gap between starting pay and median compensation in Methuen as they gain experience and clinical proficiency.
About the Methuen Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Methuen
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 Methuen
Entry-level radiologists in Methuen, MA typically start between $274,163 and $340,341 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $400,907 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $472,695 — 6.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Massachusetts of $400,000 represents just 145.90% of the starting radiologist pay ($274,163/year) in Methuen. 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 Methuen
- 1Research the Methuen market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $274,163 to $340,341, 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 Methuen, 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 Methuen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Methuen'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 Methuen is $400,907 ( 146.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $274,163, experienced hygienists can earn up to $675,070.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$231,099
2025 BLS Actual
$261,108
2026 Current Est.
$274,163
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Methuen (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $231,099 | Actual |
| 2022 | $227,549 | Actual |
| 2023 | $233,973 | Actual |
| 2024 | $254,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $261,108 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $274,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $287,872 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Methuen, MA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $231,099 in 2021 to $261,108 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $287,872. New graduates entering the Methuen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Methuen 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 Methuen
In Methuen, several healthcare institutions actively seek new radiologist graduates. Academic medical centers in the area present opportunities that often include fellowship pathways, while larger private partnerships tend to hire from residency, offering structured mentorship that may lead to partnership tracks in the coming years. For entry-level positions, obtaining key credentials—such as an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and gaining ABR board certification—can make a notable difference in competitive salaries. In the initial 1 to 3 years, new grad radiologists in Methuen, especially those with subspecialty fellowships, have avenues for salary growth that align with the bifurcation in the field. The ongoing trend toward private equity acquisitions of radiology groups has shifted partnership models, emphasizing the significance of strategic planning for emerging radiologists focused on long-term career trajectories.
More salary data for Methuen, 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 Methuen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Methuen 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