Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Lawton, OK: $224,232 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Lawton, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $224,232 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawton's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,229 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($386,606) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the radiology field in Lawton, Oklahoma, can realistically expect a starting salary around $224,232. While this entry-level pay may seem modest when compared to the median annual salary of $386,606 for all radiologists in the city, it reflects a growing trajectory within the profession. New grads can look forward to earning around $278,356 as they gain experience, eventually paving the way to reaching the median within the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Lawton represents a viable market for beginners in the radiology field, especially considering the region's relatively lower cost of living index of 88.9, which supports a more favorable financial outlook for early-career professionals.
About the Lawton Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawton
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 Lawton
Entry-level radiologists in Lawton, OK typically start between $224,232 and $278,356 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $327,520 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $386,606 — 12.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Oklahoma of $225,000 represents just 100.34% of the starting radiologist pay ($224,232/year) in Lawton. 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 Lawton
- 1Research the Lawton market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $224,232 to $278,356, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawton, 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 Lawton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Lawton is $327,520 ( 146.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $224,232, experienced hygienists can earn up to $551,752.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$189,010
2025 BLS Actual
$213,554
2026 Current Est.
$224,232
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Lawton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $189,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $186,107 | Actual |
| 2023 | $191,361 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $213,554 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $224,232 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $235,443 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lawton, OK grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $189,010 in 2021 to $213,554 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $235,443. New graduates entering the Lawton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawton 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 Lawton
Potential employers for entry-level radiologists in Lawton include local hospitals and private practices, as well as various remote opportunities in tele-radiology. Academic medical centers are ideal for new grads, as they often provide exposure to a wide variety of cases and the potential for fellowship opportunities. To maximize starting pay, candidates should aim to achieve ABR board certification and consider pursuing subspecialty fellowships, as these credentials can significantly enhance their value in the job market. In the first three years, entry-level radiologists may see salary growth as they transition from hospital W-2 employment to private partnerships, which typically offer more lucrative compensation. As private equity continues to reshape the landscape of radiology practices, connecting with the ACR can provide essential insights and networking opportunities for new grads seeking to navigate their careers effectively in Oklahoma.
More salary data for Lawton, OK:
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 Lawton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawton 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