Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Waukesha, WI: $239,980 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Waukesha, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $239,980 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waukesha's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $256,938 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($413,758) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the radiology field in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the 2026 projected entry-level radiologist salary presents an intriguing opportunity. With a starting salary at the P10 level of $239,980, early-career radiologists may find that their compensation initially falls below the city median of $413,758. However, as professionals gain experience, they can anticipate a notable growth trajectory ranging from $239,980 to $297,906 at the P25 level. This path to the median salary showcases the potential for advancement within the first 3-5 years, reflecting a healthy market for entry-level positions in Waukesha where demand for medical imaging remains strong.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waukesha
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 Waukesha
Entry-level radiologists in Waukesha, WI typically start between $239,980 and $297,906 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $324,505 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $413,758 — 6.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 116.68% of the starting radiologist pay ($239,980/year) in Waukesha. 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 Waukesha
- 1Research the Waukesha market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $239,980 to $297,906, 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 Waukesha, 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 Waukesha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waukesha'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 Waukesha is $324,505 ( 135.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $239,980, experienced hygienists can earn up to $564,485.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$202,284
2025 BLS Actual
$228,552
2026 Current Est.
$239,980
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Waukesha (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $202,284 | Actual |
| 2022 | $199,177 | Actual |
| 2023 | $204,801 | Actual |
| 2024 | $211,793 | Actual |
| 2025 | $228,552 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $239,980 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $251,979 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Waukesha, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $202,284 in 2021 to $228,552 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $251,979. New graduates entering the Waukesha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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 Waukesha
Several employers in Waukesha are open to hiring recent graduates, particularly academic medical centers that offer a diversity of subspecialty training and fellowship opportunities. Large private practice partnerships also recruit new radiologists from residency, providing a structured pathway towards partnership roles after two to three years, while teleradiology firms cater to those seeking a remote-first lifestyle, usually hiring fellowship-trained radiologists. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a comprehensive diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification are critical. In the competitive landscape of radiology, those who navigate their first 1-3 years with a plan—whether aiming for hospital W-2 roles or exploring private partnership opportunities—will find that salary growth can lead to more lucrative positions, aligning with the evolving market trends influenced by private equity acquisitions of radiology groups since 2018.
More salary data for Waukesha, 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 Waukesha. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukesha 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