Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Burlington, NC: $235,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Burlington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $235,040 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $251,111 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($405,242) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level radiologist salary in Burlington, North Carolina, presents a promising yet competitive starting point for recent graduates. With a projected starting salary at the 10th percentile of $235,040, new radiologists can have realistic expectations that grow significantly within just a few years. The median annual salary for radiologists in Burlington is $405,242, highlighting a substantial pay gap that entry-level professionals will invariably strive to bridge. Over the initial 3-5 years, new grads in the area can realistically anticipate moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $291,774, driven by ongoing professional development and experience. Given the modest cost of living index in Burlington, which is below the national average, this sector appears to offer reasonable entry-level compensation and room for salary growth.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level radiologists in Burlington, NC typically start between $235,040 and $291,774 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $354,527 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $405,242 — 8.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in North Carolina of $240,000 represents just 102.11% of the starting radiologist pay ($235,040/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AAMC tuition reports for LCME-accredited MD programs and COCA-accredited DO programs plus ACGME-accredited diagnostic radiology residency data. Totals reflect 4 years of medical school tuition, fees, and living expenses. Residency is salaried but adds opportunity cost; subspecialty fellowships add 1-2 additional years.
MD, DO Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $235,040 to $291,774, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiology field — employers in NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Burlington is $354,527 ( 150.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $235,040, experienced hygienists can earn up to $589,567.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$198,121
2025 BLS Actual
$223,848
2026 Current Est.
$235,040
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $198,121 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,078 | Actual |
| 2023 | $200,586 | Actual |
| 2024 | $196,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $223,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $235,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $246,792 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, NC grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $198,121 in 2021 to $223,848 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $246,792. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.00% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiology Career in Burlington
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New graduates in radiology will find various employers in Burlington that support professional growth and career advancement. Local hospitals often offer competitive opportunities and a well-structured path to further educational credentials, such as ABR board certification. Teleradiology firms have also emerged in recent years, appealing to those seeking a more flexible work-life balance, which is attractive to many recent graduates. Starting as a radiologist typically requires an MD or DO degree, completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency along with the necessary credentials, including a DEA registration. Within the first few years, entry-level radiologists will want to focus on maximizing RVU productivity and building relationships within the community, especially given the bifurcation of career paths post-residency into private partnerships and hospital positions. The expectation is that salaries will increase significantly as professionals strategically position themselves in their respective fields, particularly in thriving areas like Burlington, NC.
More salary data for Burlington, 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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiology graduates. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologists (SOC 29-1224).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov