Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Chesapeake, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Chesapeake, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $528,815▲ | $508,648 |
| Hourly Rate | $254.24▲ | $244.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $306,712▲ | $295,016 |
| 25th Percentile | $380,747▲ | $366,226 |
| 75th Percentile | $645,967▲ | $640,547 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $768,545 | $771,368▲ |
| Total Employed | 97▲ | 63 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Chesapeake is $20,167 (3.96%). Virginia Beach's median is +19.67% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $461,833,Chesapeake spans $476,352. Chesapeake has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($512,418 effective) pays 3.96% more than Chesapeake ($492,876 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($528,815/year)
- ✓Larger job market (97 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $512,418)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($771,368)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Virginia Beach grew 19.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Chesapeake over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$421,568 (2024) → $503,633 (2025)
Chesapeake, VA
$405,492 (2024) → $484,427 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Virginia Beach or Chesapeake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Chesapeake?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Chesapeake as a radiologist?
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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