Raleigh vs Wilmington: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $436,404▲ | $413,429 |
| Hourly Rate | $209.81▲ | $198.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $253,114▲ | $239,789 |
| 25th Percentile | $314,211▲ | $297,669 |
| 75th Percentile | $532,355▲ | $490,097 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $634,755▲ | $612,427 |
| Total Employed | 104▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $22,975 (5.56%). Raleigh's median is -1.24% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $381,641,Wilmington spans $372,638. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($466,244 effective) pays 5.56% more than Wilmington ($441,698 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($436,404/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($634,755)
- ✓Larger job market (104 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $466,244)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Raleigh grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$365,396 (2024) → $415,623 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$346,159 (2024) → $393,742 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, 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