Radiologist Salary in Cookeville, TN: $418,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Cookeville, TN earns a median $418,528/year (≈ $201.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Cookeville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $455,913 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologists in Cookeville, Tennessee, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $418,528 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $441,903. The salary range for this specialty in the region spans from $242,746 for the lowest 10% to $566,595 for the top 10%, reflecting significant variation based on factors like subspecialty, experience, and the specific employer. Estimates are based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. In Cookeville, a mix of subspecialties exists, with interventional radiology often commanding premiums that can elevate pay compared to general diagnostic and breast imaging roles, indicating a diverse and competitive job market for those entering this field.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $242,746 | $116.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $301,341 | $144.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $418,528 | $201.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $494,552 | $237.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $566,595 | $272.40 |
Median Salary Position
5.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cookeville
In Cookeville, TN, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $323,849 (2026 est.). At $418,528, the local median is 5.29% below the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cookeville: You'd be above the median
How Cookeville Radiologist Pay Compares
Cookeville median: $418,528/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cookeville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $440,556 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | -5.29% less |
Radiologists in Cookeville, TN earn a median of $418,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $440,556.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cookeville has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cookeville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A radiologist earning $418,528 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $455,913 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$327,928
2025 BLS Actual
$398,598
2026 Current Est.
$418,528
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Cookeville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $327,928 | Actual |
| 2022 | $344,324 | Actual |
| 2023 | $361,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $314,013 | Actual |
| 2025 | $398,598 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $418,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $439,454 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cookeville metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $327,928 (2021) to $398,598 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $439,454 by 2027 — a total increase of $111,526 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cookeville 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $242,746 – $301,341 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $301,341 – $418,528 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $418,528 – $494,552 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $494,552 – $566,595 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Cookeville
The local job market features approximately seven radiologists, revealing a tightly-knit community that could be advantageous for networking and collaboration. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 91.8, which is below the national average, the purchasing power of these salaries can feel more substantial, making Cookeville an attractive option for professionals seeking a balance between income and living expenses. Employers in the area vary, with private radiology group practices typically providing substantial pay, particularly for partners, while hospital-employed departments and teleradiology firms offer differing compensation structures. The spread in salaries can often be attributed to factors such as RVU productivity models and the complexity of subspecialty work, with interventional roles frequently presenting enhanced earning potential. To maximize pay, radiologists should consider pursuing equity opportunities in partnerships, exploring additional income through teleradiology, and strategically negotiating their compensation packages based on their unique contributions and expertise.
More salary data for Cookeville, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $398,598 for radiologistsin the Cookeville metropolitan area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cookeville 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