Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Collierville, TN: $256,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Collierville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $256,047 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collierville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $278,918 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($441,460) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level radiologist salary in Collierville is projected to begin at $256,047, which is notable given the city's median annual salary for all radiologists at $441,460. For recent graduates, this starting point may initially feel like a significant gap, yet it's essential to recognize the growth potential within the first few years. New radiologists can expect salary advancements as they gain experience, moving toward the 25th percentile figure of $317,851 within a few years. The opportunities in Collierville appear promising for new graduates, particularly considering the city's lower cost of living index of 91.8, which may afford them a better quality of life compared to metropolitan centers.
About the Collierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collierville
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 Collierville
Entry-level radiologists in Collierville, TN typically start between $256,047 and $317,851 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $346,021 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $441,460 — 0.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Tennessee of $260,000 represents just 101.54% of the starting radiologist pay ($256,047/year) in Collierville. 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 Collierville
- 1Research the Collierville market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $256,047 to $317,851, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Collierville, 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 Collierville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collierville'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 Collierville is $346,021 ( 135.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $256,047, experienced hygienists can earn up to $602,068.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$215,828
2025 BLS Actual
$243,854
2026 Current Est.
$256,047
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Collierville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $215,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $212,513 | Actual |
| 2023 | $218,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $192,107 | Actual |
| 2025 | $243,854 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $256,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $268,849 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Collierville, TN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $215,828 in 2021 to $243,854 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $268,849. New graduates entering the Collierville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collierville 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 Collierville
Collierville's healthcare market showcases various potential employers for new grad radiologists, including academic medical centers and private partnerships, both of which typically recruit from residency programs. Candidates with MD or DO qualifications, a completed five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are well-positioned to enter this field. While many radiologists are seeking to navigate the divided landscape of private practice—often yielding annual salaries of $500,000 to $700,000—or hospital W-2 employment with averages around $400,000 to $550,000, new grads should remain aware of ongoing changes in practice environments due to private equity acquisitions. For the first one to three years, incremental salary growth is reasonable, with expectations aligning to the established framework of RVU productivity models, granting entry-level professionals pathways to enhance their pay through subspecialty fellowships.
More salary data for Collierville, TN:
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 Collierville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collierville 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