Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Kennewick, WA: $273,096 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Kennewick, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $273,096 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennewick's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $254,279 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($470,855) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduate radiologists in Kennewick, Washington can expect to earn a starting salary around $273,096 as they launch their careers. This figure is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $470,855; however, it represents a solid entry point into the profession. Over the first few years, new radiologists may see their earnings trajectory moving towards the $339,016 mark, as experience and professional development help them transition through entry-level positions and onto the median salary within about three to five years. Given Kennewick's competitive landscape and burgeoning medical community, the city currently stands out as an attractive market for aspiring radiologists looking to start their careers.
About the Kennewick Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennewick
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 Kennewick
Entry-level radiologists in Kennewick, WA typically start between $273,096 and $339,016 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $406,503 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $470,855 — 6.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 117.17% of the starting radiologist pay ($273,096/year) in Kennewick. 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 Kennewick
- 1Research the Kennewick market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $273,096 to $339,016, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kennewick, 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 Kennewick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennewick's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Kennewick is $406,503 ( 148.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $273,096, experienced hygienists can earn up to $679,599.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$230,199
2025 BLS Actual
$260,091
2026 Current Est.
$273,096
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Kennewick (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $230,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $226,663 | Actual |
| 2023 | $233,062 | Actual |
| 2024 | $253,379 | Actual |
| 2025 | $260,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $273,096 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $286,750 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kennewick, WA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $230,199 in 2021 to $260,091 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $286,750. New graduates entering the Kennewick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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 Kennewick
In Kennewick, various employers actively recruit new graduates, including academic medical centers, large private partnerships, and teleradiology firms. Radiology groups affiliated with hospitals often hire directly from residents, encouraging fresh talent while providing robust mentorship frameworks. Having credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and, preferably, ABR board certification can positively impact salary negotiations. As new graduates navigate their early careers, understanding the differentiation between partnerships and W-2 employment becomes essential; while private equity-driven partnerships can lead to lucrative long-term financial growth, initial pay in hospital settings typically ranges from $400,000 to $550,000. Expect realistic growth in the first few years, possibly reaching around the $400,000 bracket, especially if one engages in subspecialty fellowships or positions that include RVU productivity models. Balancing early experience with ongoing education through organizations like the ACR can set a strong foundation for a successful career in radiology.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
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 Kennewick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kennewick 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