Charlotte vs Wake Forest: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $453,304▲ | $407,798 |
| Hourly Rate | $217.94▲ | $196.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $262,916▲ | $236,523 |
| 25th Percentile | $326,379▲ | $293,615 |
| 75th Percentile | $548,689▲ | $496,628 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $650,198▲ | $583,498 |
| Total Employed | 148▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Wake Forest is $45,506 (11.16%). 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 Charlotte spans $387,282,Wake Forest spans $346,975. Charlotte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($484,299 effective) pays 11.16% more than Wake Forest ($435,682 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Charlotte grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$379,546 (2024) → $431,718 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$341,444 (2024) → $388,379 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Wake Forest, 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