Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in La Crosse, WI: $231,392 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the La Crosse, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $231,392 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out La Crosse's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $247,743 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($398,951) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the field of radiology, starting salaries in La Crosse, Wisconsin, reflect the early career range of this profession. In 2026, the entry-level radiologist salary in La Crosse is projected to be around $231,392, which is notably lower than the city’s overall median salary of $398,951. This gap suggests that while initial compensation may not fully align with the broader market, there is potential for significant growth as new professionals advance in their careers. Over the first three to five years, salaries can increase from the P10 threshold to about $287,244 at the P25 level, reflecting a promising trajectory for new graduates willing to navigate the early stages of their professional journeys.
About the La Crosse Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in La Crosse
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 La Crosse
Entry-level radiologists in La Crosse, WI typically start between $231,392 and $287,244 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $323,871 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $398,951 — 9.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 121.01% of the starting radiologist pay ($231,392/year) in La Crosse. 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 La Crosse
- 1Research the La Crosse market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $231,392 to $287,244, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in La Crosse, 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 La Crosse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5La Crosse'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 La Crosse is $323,871 ( 139.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $231,392, experienced hygienists can earn up to $555,263.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$195,045
2025 BLS Actual
$220,373
2026 Current Est.
$231,392
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in La Crosse (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $195,045 | Actual |
| 2022 | $192,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $197,472 | Actual |
| 2024 | $204,213 | Actual |
| 2025 | $220,373 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $231,392 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $242,961 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in La Crosse, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $195,045 in 2021 to $220,373 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $242,961. New graduates entering the La Crosse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Crosse 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 La Crosse
In La Crosse, a variety of healthcare institutions actively employ new radiology graduates, which can serve as a crucial stepping stone. Major employers include academic medical centers that provide valuable subspecialty training and mentorship opportunities, as well as large private practices that often have pathways toward partnership for those who demonstrate performance and dedication. Teleradiology firms, increasingly prevalent, cater to a lifestyle preference for those seeking remote work options and flexibility. To enhance earning potential, credentials like an MD or DO, completion of an ABR-certified diagnostic radiology residency, and optional fellowships in subspecialties are beneficial. New grads should anticipate realistic salary growth of about 5.00% annually, particularly in contexts where private equity has begun to influence compensation structures, creating varying trajectories based on the employment model selected. Understanding the nuances of partnerships versus hospital employment can also inform future career decisions, as the distinction significantly impacts both immediate pay and long-term earning potential in the field.
More salary data for La Crosse, WI:
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 La Crosse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for La Crosse 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