Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $295,016 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Chesapeake, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $295,016 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chesapeake's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $285,868 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($508,648) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates embarking on their careers as radiologists in Chesapeake, Virginia, the projected entry-level radiologist salary in 2026 stands at $295,016. Although this figure is considerably lower than the overall median salary of $508,648 for radiologists in the area, it provides a solid starting ground for early-career professionals. Entry-level salaries show potential for growth, moving towards $366,226 by the 25th percentile within a few years in the field. With an annual growth rate of 5.00%, Chesapeake offers a promising market for new graduates, especially considering ongoing demand for radiology services, which suggests a favorable job outlook for those just beginning their careers.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chesapeake
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 Chesapeake
Entry-level radiologists in Chesapeake, VA typically start between $295,016 and $366,226 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $476,352 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $508,648 — 15.1% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Virginia of $280,000 represents just 94.91% of the starting radiologist pay ($295,016/year) in Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake
- 1Research the Chesapeake market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $295,016 to $366,226, 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 Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chesapeake'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 Chesapeake is $476,352 ( 161.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $295,016, experienced hygienists can earn up to $771,368.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$248,676
2025 BLS Actual
$280,968
2026 Current Est.
$295,016
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Chesapeake (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $248,676 | Actual |
| 2022 | $244,857 | Actual |
| 2023 | $251,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $235,185 | Actual |
| 2025 | $280,968 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $295,016 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $309,767 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Chesapeake, VA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $248,676 in 2021 to $280,968 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $309,767. New graduates entering the Chesapeake job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
Employers in Chesapeake looking to hire newly minted radiologists typically include large academic medical centers and private practice groups. These institutions often provide valuable opportunities for mentorship, subspecialty training, and even fellowship positions that facilitate the development of specialized skills. Credentials such as an MD or DO degree combined with ABR board certification remain key to improving starting salaries in Virginia. Within the first couple of years, professionals can anticipate salary growth influenced by the differentiation of employment models—they may choose between traditional hospital employment, typically with salaries between $400,000 and $550,000, or seek profitable partnership opportunities in private practices, generally yielding earnings from $500,000 to $700,000. With strategic career planning, including pursuing possible fellowships, new graduates in Chesapeake can position themselves to enhance their earning potential significantly within the early phases of their careers.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Chesapeake in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Chesapeake?
Is radiology school worth it in Chesapeake?
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How do I become a radiologist in Virginia?
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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 Chesapeake. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chesapeake 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