Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Wausau, WI: $232,754 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Wausau, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $232,754 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wausau's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $249,201 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($401,300) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring radiologists beginning their careers in Wausau, Wisconsin, expectations surrounding starting salaries can vary significantly. In 2026, entry-level positions typically offer a starting pay of around $232,754, which is notably lower than the median annual salary of $401,300 for radiologists in the city. While this gap may seem substantial, newly graduated radiologists can anticipate salary growth as they gain experience. With time, a trajectory from $232,754 to approximately $288,936 at the 25th percentile is realistic within the first few years, allowing early-career professionals an opportunity to align more closely with the city's median salary. The current job market in Wausau presents competitive advantages for recent graduates, including a relatively lower cost of living index of 93.4, suggesting that now could be an opportune time to enter this field.
About the Wausau Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wausau
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 Wausau
Entry-level radiologists in Wausau, WI typically start between $232,754 and $288,936 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $329,264 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $401,300 — 9.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 120.30% of the starting radiologist pay ($232,754/year) in Wausau. 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 Wausau
- 1Research the Wausau market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $232,754 to $288,936, 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 Wausau, 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 Wausau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wausau'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 Wausau is $329,264 ( 141.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $232,754, experienced hygienists can earn up to $562,018.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$196,193
2025 BLS Actual
$221,670
2026 Current Est.
$232,754
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Wausau (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $196,193 | Actual |
| 2022 | $193,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $198,634 | Actual |
| 2024 | $205,416 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $232,754 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $244,391 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wausau, WI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $196,193 in 2021 to $221,670 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $244,391. New graduates entering the Wausau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
When looking for employment opportunities, new graduates should focus on a few key types of employers in Wausau, Wisconsin. Academic medical centers often hire entry-level radiologists, providing not only a broad range of subspecialty exposure but also fostering fellowship opportunities that can boost career advancement. Large private partnerships are another excellent option, as they typically bring in residents directly into multi-year tracks aiming for partnership down the line. For those favoring flexibility, teleradiology firms present an appealing environment for fellowship-trained radiologists seeking a remote-first lifestyle. Credentials play a significant role in determining starting pay; candidates with an MD or DO degree, completed diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification are well-positioned. Early career strategies might include pursuing additional fellowships to enhance skill sets and marketability, especially within a market where competition for lucrative positions is rising. Realistic growth in salary during the first few years is anticipated as the field's dynamics shift, particularly with the increasing influence of private equity in the ownership models of radiology practices. This evolving landscape means that adapting to new career opportunities will be essential in shaping a successful and rewarding radiology career in the future.
More salary data for Wausau, 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 Wausau. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wausau 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