Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Hampton, VA: $284,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Hampton, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $284,999 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hampton's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $276,162 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($491,379) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of radiology in Hampton, Virginia, the starting salary can be quite enticing. In 2026, an entry-level radiologist can expect to earn around $284,999, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $491,379. This represents a gap that new graduates should consider when evaluating their career options. However, with experience, the potential for salary growth is substantial; individuals can make their way up towards the 25th percentile average of $353,793 within the first few years. Given the expected annual growth rate of 5.00%, Hampton presents a promising market for newly minted radiologists looking to establish their careers.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hampton
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 Hampton
Entry-level radiologists in Hampton, VA typically start between $284,999 and $353,793 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $425,256 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $491,379 — 11.2% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Virginia of $280,000 represents just 98.25% of the starting radiologist pay ($284,999/year) in Hampton. 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 Hampton
- 1Research the Hampton market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $284,999 to $353,793, 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 Hampton, 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 Hampton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hampton'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 Hampton is $425,256 ( 149.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $284,999, experienced hygienists can earn up to $710,255.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$240,233
2025 BLS Actual
$271,428
2026 Current Est.
$284,999
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Hampton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $240,233 | Actual |
| 2022 | $236,543 | Actual |
| 2023 | $243,221 | Actual |
| 2024 | $227,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $271,428 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $284,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $299,249 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hampton, VA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $240,233 in 2021 to $271,428 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $299,249. New graduates entering the Hampton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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 Hampton
As new graduates embark on their careers, understanding which employers hire entry-level radiologists is essential. In Hampton, academic medical centers typically offer robust training programs and fellowship opportunities, making them ideal for fresh graduates. Large private partnerships frequently recruit from residency programs and may provide a clear path to partnership within two to three years. Meanwhile, teleradiology firms attract fellowship-trained radiologists seeking a remote work lifestyle. To maximize starting pay in Virginia, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, board certification from the ABR, and DEA registration are crucial. Furthermore, for those aiming for higher salaries down the line, pursuing additional subspecialty fellowships can be beneficial. Considering the bifurcation in the industry towards private partnerships and hospital employment, strategic career development in the first few years will play a vital role in achieving ambitious financial goals within the profession.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Hampton in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Hampton?
Is radiology school worth it in Hampton?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Hampton?
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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 Hampton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton 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