Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $277,764 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Fredericksburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $277,764 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fredericksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $269,151 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($478,904) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduate radiologists in Fredericksburg, Virginia can expect a starting salary of approximately $277,764, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $478,904. This creates a substantial gap for new entrants in the field, but there is room for growth within the first few years. Entry-level practitioners may see their pay climbing towards approximately $344,811 at the 25th percentile, hinting at a promising trajectory as they gain experience. Fredericksburg's market currently presents a favorable environment for newly graduated radiologists, bolstered by a projected annual growth rate of 5.00% that reflects expanding opportunities within the healthcare sector. This suggests that despite a modest starting salary, there are advantageous long-term career prospects that make the region an appealing choice for early-career physicians.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fredericksburg
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 Fredericksburg
Entry-level radiologists in Fredericksburg, VA typically start between $277,764 and $344,811 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $394,128 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $478,904 — 8.37% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Virginia of $280,000 represents just 100.80% of the starting radiologist pay ($277,764/year) in Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg
- 1Research the Fredericksburg market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $277,764 to $344,811, 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 Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fredericksburg'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 Fredericksburg is $394,128 ( 141.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $277,764, experienced hygienists can earn up to $671,892.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$234,134
2025 BLS Actual
$264,537
2026 Current Est.
$277,764
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Fredericksburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $234,134 | Actual |
| 2022 | $230,537 | Actual |
| 2023 | $237,046 | Actual |
| 2024 | $221,432 | Actual |
| 2025 | $264,537 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $277,764 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $291,652 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fredericksburg, VA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $234,134 in 2021 to $264,537 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $291,652. New graduates entering the Fredericksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, several healthcare employers actively seek to onboard new graduate radiologists, primarily academic medical centers and large private practices. These institutions often provide significant mentorship and contribute to fellowship pipelines that expand subspecialty training. Radiologists who hold an MD or DO degree, have completed a rigorous diagnostic radiology residency, and achieved ABR board certification are highly sought after, with additional fellowships further enhancing their earning potential. Within the first three years of practice, newly minted radiologists can expect their salaries to reflect the bifurcation of the field, where W-2 employment typically offers earnings between $400,000 and $550,000, juxtaposed with opportunities in private partnerships that can lead to partnerships at upward of $500,000. Given the shifts in partnership tracks since private equity firms have begun acquiring radiology groups, understanding these dynamics is crucial for new graduates as they navigate responsibilities and salary growth within the first few years of their careers in Fredericksburg.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fredericksburg 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