Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Billings, MT: $308,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Billings, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $308,641 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billings's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $320,833 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($532,140) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the radiology field in Billings, Montana, the starting salary can be eye-opening. In 2026, the initial pay for an entry-level position is projected to be $308,641, significantly lower than the median annual salary for radiologists in the city, which sits at $532,140. This gap reflects the typical progression many new graduates can expect in their early years, as they move from the entry-level range through the 25th percentile at $383,141 towards the median within a few years of employment. With Billings' growth trajectory showing a stable 5.00% annual increase, fresh graduates may find the market aligning favorably, offered opportunities for growth amidst the evolving landscape of healthcare employment.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billings
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 Billings
Entry-level radiologists in Billings, MT typically start between $308,641 and $383,141 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $439,514 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $532,140 — 20.42% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Montana of $240,000 represents just 77.76% of the starting radiologist pay ($308,641/year) in Billings. 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 Billings
- 1Research the Billings market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $308,641 to $383,141, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billings, 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 Billings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billings'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 Billings is $439,514 ( 142.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $308,641, experienced hygienists can earn up to $748,155.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$260,161
2025 BLS Actual
$293,944
2026 Current Est.
$308,641
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Billings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $260,161 | Actual |
| 2022 | $256,165 | Actual |
| 2023 | $263,397 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,488 | Actual |
| 2025 | $293,944 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $308,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $324,073 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Billings, MT grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $260,161 in 2021 to $293,944 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $324,073. New graduates entering the Billings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
In Billings, various employers provide promising pathways for new graduates in radiology. Academic medical centers are an excellent option for new radiologists seeking diverse subspecialties and potential fellowship opportunities. Meanwhile, large private partnerships tend to favor residents with a direct track to partnership over a span of two to three years. For those interested in a remote lifestyle, teleradiology firms are increasingly looking for fellowship-trained radiologists. To capitalize on starting salaries, new graduates should focus on obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, attaining ABR board certification, and considering 1-2 year subspecialty fellowships as they enhance their qualifications. The current market shows that radiologists employed in hospital W-2 settings typically earn between $400,000 and $550,000, while private practice may offer income upwards of $500,000. In the first three years, realistic salary growth for new doctors in Billings looks promising, especially given the ongoing demand for radiology services.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 Billings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billings 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