Radiologist Pay

Chesapeake vs Herndon: Radiologist Salary (2026)

Compare radiologist salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Herndon, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chesapeake, VA
$508,648
$244.55/hr
Herndon, VA
$460,800
$221.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesapeake, VAHerndon, VA
Median Salary$508,648$460,800
Hourly Rate$244.55$221.54
Entry Level (P10)$295,016$267,264
25th Percentile$366,226$331,776
75th Percentile$640,547$527,395
Top Earner (P90)$771,368$592,816
Total Employed635
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesapeake ($508,648) and Herndon ($460,800) radiologist salaries.ChesapeakeHerndonMedian Salary$508,648$460,800Entry Level (P10)$295,016$267,264Top Earner (P90)$771,368$592,816US Median $441,903

Verdict

Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Herndon.

The salary gap between Chesapeake and Herndon is $47,848 (10.38%). Chesapeake's median is +15.10% compared to the US national median of $441,903.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $476,352,Herndon spans $325,552. Chesapeake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chesapeake
P10 (Entry)$295,016
P25$366,226
Median$508,648
P75$640,547
P90 (Top)$771,368
Herndon
P10 (Entry)$267,264
P25$331,776
Median$460,800
P75$527,395
P90 (Top)$592,816

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chesapeake ($492,876 effective) pays 10.38% more than Herndon ($446,512 effective).

Chesapeake
Nominal: $508,648
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $492,876
Herndon
Nominal: $460,800
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $446,512

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chesapeake if…

  • Higher median salary ($508,648/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($771,368)
  • Larger job market (63 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $492,876)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Herndon if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Chesapeake grew 19.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Herndon over the same period.

Chesapeake, VA

+19.5%

$405,492 (2024) → $484,427 (2025)

Herndon, VA

+19.5%

$367,348 (2024) → $438,857 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologists more: Chesapeake or Herndon?

Chesapeake has a higher median radiologist salary at $508,648/year, compared to Herndon at $460,800/year — a difference of $47,848 (10.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Herndon?

Chesapeake radiologists earn $244.55/hr while Herndon hygienists earn $221.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Herndon as a radiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesapeake and Herndon. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesapeake = $492,876, Herndon = $446,512), job availability (63 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologists earn in Chesapeake vs Herndon?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologists earn $295,016 in Chesapeake and $267,264 in Herndon. The Chesapeake area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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