Radiologist Pay

Charleston vs Clemson: Radiologist Salary (2026)

Compare radiologist salaries between Charleston, SC and Clemson, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charleston, SC
$470,254
$226.09/hr
Clemson, SC
$419,637
$201.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharleston, SCClemson, SC
Median Salary$470,254$419,637
Hourly Rate$226.09$201.75
Entry Level (P10)$272,747$243,389
25th Percentile$338,583$302,139
75th Percentile$575,013$496,454
Top Earner (P90)$680,642$565,989
Total Employed256
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charleston ($470,254) and Clemson ($419,637) radiologist salaries.CharlestonClemsonMedian Salary$470,254$419,637Entry Level (P10)$272,747$243,389Top Earner (P90)$680,642$565,989US Median $441,903

Verdict

Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clemson.

The salary gap between Charleston and Clemson is $50,617 (12.06%). Charleston's median is +6.42% compared to the US national median of $441,903.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $407,895,Clemson spans $322,600. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Charleston
P10 (Entry)$272,747
P25$338,583
Median$470,254
P75$575,013
P90 (Top)$680,642
Clemson
P10 (Entry)$243,389
P25$302,139
Median$419,637
P75$496,454
P90 (Top)$565,989

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($513,939 effective) pays 12.06% more than Clemson ($458,620 effective).

Charleston
Nominal: $470,254
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $513,939
Clemson
Nominal: $419,637
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $458,620

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Charleston if…

  • Higher median salary ($470,254/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($680,642)
  • Larger job market (25 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $513,939)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Clemson if…

  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Charleston grew 35.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Clemson over the same period.

Charleston, SC

+35.5%

$330,478 (2024) → $447,861 (2025)

Clemson, SC

+35.5%

$294,906 (2024) → $399,654 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologists more: Charleston or Clemson?

Charleston has a higher median radiologist salary at $470,254/year, compared to Clemson at $419,637/year — a difference of $50,617 (12.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Clemson?

Charleston radiologists earn $226.09/hr while Clemson hygienists earn $201.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charleston to Clemson as a radiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charleston and Clemson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charleston = $513,939, Clemson = $458,620), job availability (25 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologists earn in Charleston vs Clemson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologists earn $272,747 in Charleston and $243,389 in Clemson. The Charleston area offers higher starting salaries.
MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Lisa Gonzalez, MD

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