Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Montclair, NJ: $337,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Montclair, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $337,376 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Montclair's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $292,861 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($581,681) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates seeking to enter the radiology field can anticipate an entry-level radiologist salary in Montclair, New Jersey, starting around $337,376. This figure reflects a significant initial gap from the city’s median annual salary of $581,681. For recent grads, the trajectory over the first few years shows promising growth, progressing from the starting point through the 25th percentile at $418,810, ultimately aiming for the median as they gain experience and accumulate skills. The Montclair market currently appears competitive for fresh graduates, offering substantial earning potential compared to many other regions.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($405,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Montclair
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 Montclair
Entry-level radiologists in Montclair, NJ typically start between $337,376 and $418,810 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $441,606 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $581,681 — 31.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in New Jersey of $340,000 represents just 100.78% of the starting radiologist pay ($337,376/year) in Montclair. 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 Montclair
- 1Research the Montclair market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $337,376 to $418,810, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Montclair, 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 Montclair for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Montclair's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Montclair is $441,606 ( 130.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $337,376, experienced hygienists can earn up to $778,982.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$284,382
2025 BLS Actual
$321,310
2026 Current Est.
$337,376
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Montclair (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $284,382 | Actual |
| 2022 | $280,014 | Actual |
| 2023 | $287,919 | Actual |
| 2024 | $267,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $321,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $337,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $354,244 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Montclair, NJ grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $284,382 in 2021 to $321,310 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $354,244. New graduates entering the Montclair job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair 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 Montclair
When considering employment opportunities for entry-level radiologists in Montclair, various healthcare employers are likely to recruit new graduates, including academic medical centers, private practice groups, and teleradiology firms. Academic centers often provide a broader range of subspecialty experiences and potential fellowship positions that can enhance long-term career prospects. Holding an MD or DO degree with completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, along with ABR board certification, will be crucial for increasing starting salaries in NJ. Furthermore, strategic career choices, such as choosing between private partnerships—which typically result in higher earnings post-partnership—versus hospital employment could influence earnings in the first few years. In this evolving market, recent graduates can expect to see a steady increase in their compensation as they develop their skills and meet productivity benchmarks.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
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 Montclair. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Montclair 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