Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Bristol, VA: $274,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Bristol, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $274,366 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bristol's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $265,859 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($473,045) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new radiologists entering the field in Bristol, Virginia, the entry-level radiologist salary is projected at about $274,366 in 2026. This figure represents the threshold of starting salaries for new grads, who might find this initial pay considerably lower than the city median of $473,045 for radiologists. However, there is potential for significant salary growth within the first few years. With experience, newly graduated radiologists could expect to move towards the lower quartile of salaries, projected at $340,593. This progressive climb suggests that Bristol remains a viable market for entry-level positions, providing a solid foundation for those just beginning their careers in radiology.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bristol
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 Bristol
Entry-level radiologists in Bristol, VA typically start between $274,366 and $340,593 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $356,614 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $473,045 — 7.05% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Virginia of $280,000 represents just 102.05% of the starting radiologist pay ($274,366/year) in Bristol. 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 Bristol
- 1Research the Bristol market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $274,366 to $340,593, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bristol, 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 Bristol for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bristol's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Bristol is $356,614 ( 129.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $274,366, experienced hygienists can earn up to $630,980.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$231,269
2025 BLS Actual
$261,301
2026 Current Est.
$274,366
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Bristol (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $231,269 | Actual |
| 2022 | $227,717 | Actual |
| 2023 | $234,146 | Actual |
| 2024 | $218,723 | Actual |
| 2025 | $261,301 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $274,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $288,084 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bristol, VA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $231,269 in 2021 to $261,301 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $288,084. New graduates entering the Bristol job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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 Bristol
In Bristol, several employers are actively seeking newly graduated radiologists, particularly large hospitals and academic medical centers that nurture talent through fellowship opportunities. While those entering private partnerships often have the potential to achieve higher earnings after 2-3 years of experience—typically ranging from $500,000 to $700,000—hospital employment is generally more stable with starting salaries between $400,000 to $550,000. Credentials play a vital role in determining starting pay: a completed MD or DO degree, followed by a diagnostic radiology residency and ABR board certification are essential. Many specialists can enhance their marketability through fellowships, although they are optional. In the first three years, early-career radiologists in Bristol should aim for steady salary growth, recognizing the ongoing shifts in the radiology landscape due to private equity influences. Active involvement with the ACR and maintaining current competencies will be crucial in maximizing both salary potential and career progression in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiology school worth it in Bristol?
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Related Pages
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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 Bristol. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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