Chapel Hill vs Charlotte: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $412,908 | $453,304▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $198.51 | $217.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $239,487 | $262,916▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $297,294 | $326,379▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $493,298 | $548,689▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $601,116 | $650,198▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 148▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chapel Hill.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Charlotte is $40,396 (9.78%). Charlotte's median is +2.58% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $361,629,Charlotte spans $387,282. Charlotte has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($484,299 effective) pays 9.78% more than Chapel Hill ($441,141 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($453,304/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($650,198)
- ✓Larger job market (148 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $484,299)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Chapel Hill grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$345,723 (2024) → $393,246 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$379,546 (2024) → $431,718 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Charlotte, NC
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov