Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Charlottesville, VA: $273,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Charlottesville, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $273,469 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Charlottesville's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $264,989 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($471,498) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a radiologist in Charlottesville, Virginia, presents recent graduates with a competitive entry-level financial landscape. In 2026, the entry-level radiologist salary in Charlottesville is projected to begin around $273,469, which, while quite lower than the median annual salary of $471,498, offers a solid starting point for new professionals. Over the first few years, it's realistic to expect salary growth, which can elevate new graduates towards the P25 mark of $339,479 as they accumulate experience and professional skillsets. For medical professionals just starting out, Charlottesville is currently a good market, given the area's growth trajectory in healthcare, suggesting promising opportunities for new radiologists as they launch their careers.
About the Charlottesville Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Charlottesville
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 Charlottesville
Entry-level radiologists in Charlottesville, VA typically start between $273,469 and $339,479 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $373,837 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $471,498 — 6.7% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Virginia of $280,000 represents just 102.39% of the starting radiologist pay ($273,469/year) in Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville
- 1Research the Charlottesville market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $273,469 to $339,479, 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 Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Charlottesville'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 Charlottesville is $373,837 ( 136.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $273,469, experienced hygienists can earn up to $647,306.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$230,514
2025 BLS Actual
$260,447
2026 Current Est.
$273,469
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Charlottesville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $230,514 | Actual |
| 2022 | $226,973 | Actual |
| 2023 | $233,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $218,008 | Actual |
| 2025 | $260,447 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $273,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $287,143 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Charlottesville, VA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $230,514 in 2021 to $260,447 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $287,143. New graduates entering the Charlottesville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville
In Charlottesville, various employers are tapping into the pool of recent graduates, including academic medical centers, large private practices, and teleradiology firms. These institutions often seek candidates who have completed their MD or DO degrees, diagnostic radiology residency, and obtained ABR board certification, which can significantly enhance starting compensation. For new grads, aligning their career strategies early on is vital; those entering private partnerships often enjoy quick paths to high earnings, with the potential for substantial salary increases to the typical ranges of $500,000-$700,000. Conversely, hospital-based employment is characterized by W-2 positions offering salaries in the range of $400,000-$550,000, which may suit those preferring stability. With the market's evolution due to private equity involvement, it’s beneficial for entry-level radiologists to remain adaptable and engaged in continuous education to boost their earning potential and career progression.
More salary data for Charlottesville, VA:
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 Charlottesville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Charlottesville 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