Radiologist Pay

Chesapeake vs Staunton: Radiologist Salary (2026)

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

Chesapeake, VA
$508,648
$244.55/hr
Staunton, VA
$471,652
$226.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesapeake, VAStaunton, VA
Median Salary$508,648$471,652
Hourly Rate$244.55$226.76
Entry Level (P10)$295,016$273,558
25th Percentile$366,226$339,589
75th Percentile$640,547$562,275
Top Earner (P90)$771,368$646,638
Total Employed635
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesapeake ($508,648) and Staunton ($471,652) radiologist salaries.ChesapeakeStauntonMedian Salary$508,648$471,652Entry Level (P10)$295,016$273,558Top Earner (P90)$771,368$646,638US Median $441,903

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Chesapeake and Staunton is $36,996 (7.84%). 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,Staunton spans $373,080. 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
Staunton
P10 (Entry)$273,558
P25$339,589
Median$471,652
P75$562,275
P90 (Top)$646,638

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chesapeake ($492,876 effective) pays 7.84% more than Staunton ($457,027 effective).

Chesapeake
Nominal: $508,648
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $492,876
Staunton
Nominal: $471,652
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $457,027

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 Staunton 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 Staunton over the same period.

Chesapeake, VA

+19.5%

$405,492 (2024) → $484,427 (2025)

Staunton, VA

+19.5%

$375,998 (2024) → $449,192 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologists more: Chesapeake or Staunton?

Chesapeake has a higher median radiologist salary at $508,648/year, compared to Staunton at $471,652/year — a difference of $36,996 (7.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Staunton?

Chesapeake radiologists earn $244.55/hr while Staunton hygienists earn $226.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Staunton as a radiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesapeake and Staunton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesapeake = $492,876, Staunton = $457,027), job availability (63 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologists earn $295,016 in Chesapeake and $273,558 in Staunton. 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