Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Paterson, NJ: $340,495 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Paterson, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $340,495 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Paterson's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $295,569 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($587,060) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new radiologists entering the field in Paterson, NJ, the expected starting salary stands at approximately $340,495 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary scale for entry-level positions, particularly when compared to the city median of $587,060. Graduates can anticipate gradual salary progression, moving from the 10th percentile range to the 25th percentile at around $422,684 within the first few years. With a 5.00% annual growth trajectory projected, the initial pay offers a solid foundation for new grads who are eager to advance their careers in a market that remains favorable for entry-level roles.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($405,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Paterson
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 Paterson
Entry-level radiologists in Paterson, NJ typically start between $340,495 and $422,684 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $508,539 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $587,060 — 32.85% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in New Jersey of $340,000 represents just 99.85% of the starting radiologist pay ($340,495/year) in Paterson. 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 Paterson
- 1Research the Paterson market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $340,495 to $422,684, 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 Paterson, 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 Paterson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Paterson'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 Paterson is $508,539 ( 149.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $340,495, experienced hygienists can earn up to $849,034.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$287,011
2025 BLS Actual
$324,281
2026 Current Est.
$340,495
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Paterson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $287,011 | Actual |
| 2022 | $282,603 | Actual |
| 2023 | $290,581 | Actual |
| 2024 | $270,414 | Actual |
| 2025 | $324,281 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $340,495 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $357,520 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Paterson, NJ grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $287,011 in 2021 to $324,281 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $357,520. New graduates entering the Paterson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paterson 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 Paterson
In Paterson, various employers actively recruit new graduates, including major academic medical centers and large private radiology groups. These institutions often provide pathways for fellowships, bolstering the professional development of early-career radiologists. Prospective hires should be mindful of essential credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification, all of which can enhance earning potential in NJ. While the typical salary trajectory for new graduates can lead to mid-career earnings in the $400k-$550k range for hospital W-2 employment, those who successfully transition to private partnerships or subspecialty practices may see pay increase significantly, sometimes approaching or exceeding $700k. Therefore, strategic career planning, focusing on subspecialties and fellowship training, may yield more lucrative opportunities in the dynamic landscape of radiology.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Paterson in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Paterson?
Is radiology school worth it in Paterson?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Paterson?
How do I become a radiologist in New Jersey?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Paterson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Paterson 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