Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Columbia, TN: $248,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Columbia, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $248,971 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Columbia's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $271,210 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($429,260) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiology in Columbia, TN, can expect a starting radiologist salary of approximately $248,971. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $429,260, illustrating a common gap that early-career professionals often experience. However, the salary trajectory showcases potential growth as individuals progress from early positions, moving from the P10 salary to the P25, which is projected at $309,068. Over the first three to five years, new radiologists in Columbia can expect meaningful increases, positioning the area as a promising market for those just beginning their careers in this specialty. With a growth rate of 5.00% annually, aspiring radiologists may find themselves on a solid path toward salary advancements, especially as they gain experience and expertise.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Columbia
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 Columbia
Entry-level radiologists in Columbia, TN typically start between $248,971 and $309,068 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $353,072 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $429,260 — 2.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Tennessee of $260,000 represents just 104.43% of the starting radiologist pay ($248,971/year) in Columbia. 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 Columbia
- 1Research the Columbia market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $248,971 to $309,068, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Columbia'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 Columbia is $353,072 ( 141.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $248,971, experienced hygienists can earn up to $602,043.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$209,863
2025 BLS Actual
$237,115
2026 Current Est.
$248,971
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Columbia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $209,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $206,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,474 | Actual |
| 2024 | $186,798 | Actual |
| 2025 | $237,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $248,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $261,419 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Columbia, TN grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $209,863 in 2021 to $237,115 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $261,419. New graduates entering the Columbia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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 Columbia
New graduates seeking to establish their careers in Columbia should consider the types of employers that are most likely to hire entry-level radiologists. Academic medical centers often provide exposure to diverse subspecialties and fellowship programs, while larger private practices typically prioritize recent residency graduates for partnership tracks, which can span two to three years. Additionally, teleradiology firms are increasingly hiring fellowship-trained radiologists, catering to those who prefer a remote-first workplace. To enhance starting pay in TN, qualifications such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are essential, along with optional subspecialty fellowships. First-year practitioners should maintain focus on professional development and seek opportunities that align with the evolving compensation structures in radiology, especially as private equity acquisitions continue to shift the landscape. Realistic salary growth during the initial years may result in a trajectory that leads to higher compensation levels as new radiologists adapt to the changing market dynamics in Columbia.
More salary data for Columbia, 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 Columbia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbia 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