Radiologist Pay

Chesapeake vs Winchester: Radiologist Salary (2026)

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

Chesapeake, VA
$508,648
$244.55/hr
Winchester, VA
$466,039
$224.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesapeake, VAWinchester, VA
Median Salary$508,648$466,039
Hourly Rate$244.55$224.06
Entry Level (P10)$295,016$270,303
25th Percentile$366,226$335,549
75th Percentile$640,547$548,579
Top Earner (P90)$771,368$628,022
Total Employed634
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesapeake ($508,648) and Winchester ($466,039) radiologist salaries.ChesapeakeWinchesterMedian Salary$508,648$466,039Entry Level (P10)$295,016$270,303Top Earner (P90)$771,368$628,022US Median $441,903

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Chesapeake and Winchester is $42,609 (9.14%). 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,Winchester spans $357,719. 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
Winchester
P10 (Entry)$270,303
P25$335,549
Median$466,039
P75$548,579
P90 (Top)$628,022

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chesapeake ($492,876 effective) pays 9.14% more than Winchester ($451,588 effective).

Chesapeake
Nominal: $508,648
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $492,876
Winchester
Nominal: $466,039
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $451,588

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 Winchester 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 Winchester over the same period.

Chesapeake, VA

+19.5%

$405,492 (2024) → $484,427 (2025)

Winchester, VA

+19.5%

$371,524 (2024) → $443,847 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologists more: Chesapeake or Winchester?

Chesapeake has a higher median radiologist salary at $508,648/year, compared to Winchester at $466,039/year — a difference of $42,609 (9.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Winchester?

Chesapeake radiologists earn $244.55/hr while Winchester hygienists earn $224.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Winchester as a radiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesapeake and Winchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesapeake = $492,876, Winchester = $451,588), job availability (63 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologists earn $295,016 in Chesapeake and $270,303 in Winchester. 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