Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Rochester, MN: $254,137 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Rochester, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $254,137 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rochester's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $258,007 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($438,167) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the field of radiology in Rochester, Minnesota, offers new graduates a competitive starting salary projected at $254,137 in 2026. While this may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $438,167, it is important for entry-level radiologists to view this figure within the context of career progression. In the first few years of practice, new radiologists can expect gradual salary enhancements, moving from the entry-level threshold to the 25th percentile of $315,480 as they gain experience. With a robust annual growth trajectory of 5.00%, the market is favorable for fresh graduates looking to establish a career in this medical specialty, making Rochester a promising location for those just beginning their professional journey.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($400,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rochester
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 Rochester
Entry-level radiologists in Rochester, MN typically start between $254,137 and $315,480 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $386,068 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $438,167 — 0.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Minnesota of $300,000 represents just 118.05% of the starting radiologist pay ($254,137/year) in Rochester. 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 Rochester
- 1Research the Rochester market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $254,137 to $315,480, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rochester, 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 Rochester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rochester'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 Rochester is $386,068 ( 151.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $254,137, experienced hygienists can earn up to $640,205.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$214,218
2025 BLS Actual
$242,035
2026 Current Est.
$254,137
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Rochester (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $214,218 | Actual |
| 2022 | $210,927 | Actual |
| 2023 | $216,883 | Actual |
| 2024 | $230,039 | Actual |
| 2025 | $242,035 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $254,137 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $266,844 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Rochester, MN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $214,218 in 2021 to $242,035 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $266,844. New graduates entering the Rochester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
Realistically assessing the job opportunities for new radiologists in Rochester reveals that academic medical centers play a significant role in hiring entry-level professionals. These institutions not only provide comprehensive subspecialty training but also link residents to fellowship pathways that can enhance their expertise and earnings. Additionally, large private practice partnerships are increasingly recruiting fresh graduates into a structured career path, often leading toward partnership opportunities after 2-3 years of service. The credentials that are critical for boosting starting pay in Minnesota include an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR). In Rochester, first-year radiologists may anticipate considerable salary growth as they integrate into either private practices—which typically escalate earnings faster through productivity-based models—or hospital employment settings. This bifurcation in career paths significantly influences income potential over the initial years, with an emphasis on continuous professional development and appropriate networking.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
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 Rochester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rochester 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