Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Newport News, VA: $287,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Newport News, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $287,536 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Newport News's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $278,620 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($495,751) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting an entry-level career as a radiologist in Newport News, Virginia, looks promising for new graduates in 2026. The lower-end starting salary, projected at $287,536, serves as a solid starting point for those just beginning their careers. However, this figure is notably lower than the city's median salary of $495,751, indicating a significant growth opportunity as new grads gain experience and expertise over the first few years. Expect to see considerable advancement as you progress from the P25 salary of $356,941 towards the median, with realistic salary expectations that could see substantial increases as you establish yourself in the field. Overall, Newport News appears to provide a favorable job market for new radiology graduates eager to embark on their professional journey.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Newport News
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 Newport News
Entry-level radiologists in Newport News, VA typically start between $287,536 and $356,941 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $437,938 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $495,751 — 12.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Virginia of $280,000 represents just 97.38% of the starting radiologist pay ($287,536/year) in Newport News. 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 Newport News
- 1Research the Newport News market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $287,536 to $356,941, 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 Newport News, 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 Newport News for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Newport News'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 Newport News is $437,938 ( 152.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $287,536, experienced hygienists can earn up to $725,474.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$242,371
2025 BLS Actual
$273,844
2026 Current Est.
$287,536
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Newport News (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $242,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $238,648 | Actual |
| 2023 | $245,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $229,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $273,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $287,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $301,913 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Newport News, VA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $242,371 in 2021 to $273,844 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $301,913. New graduates entering the Newport News job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport News 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 Newport News
For aspiring radiologists, identifying the right employers in Newport News is crucial. Academic medical centers are key players, often recruiting new graduates due to their wide-ranging subspecialty opportunities and established fellowship pipelines. Additionally, large private partnerships generally hire directly from residency programs, offering secure pathways towards partnership within a few years—often characterized by remuneration in the $500,000 to $700,000 range for established partners. Conversely, teleradiology firms typically seek fellowship-trained radiologists who can provide remote services, catering to lifestyle preferences. To enhance starting salaries in Virginia, securing an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification are essential. Candidates who've pursued optional subspecialty fellowships may see even better compensation. Given that the radiology field has seen significant changes due to private equity acquisitions, which have reshaped partnership tracks, understanding these dynamics will greatly benefit your career strategy in the early years, leading to realistic salary growth expectations over that initial phase.
More salary data for Newport News, 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 Newport News. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newport News 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