Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Richmond, VA: $292,689 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Richmond, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $292,689 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $283,613 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($504,635) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the radiology field in Richmond, Virginia, can expect to find starting salaries around $292,689 for entry-level positions in 2026. This figure is considerably lower than the city’s overall median salary of $504,635, highlighting a significant gap that reflects the typical pay scales for new grads versus seasoned professionals. However, there is a clear growth trajectory as one moves from the initial pay at the P10 level to the P25 level of $363,338 over the first three to five years. Richmond presents an encouraging environment for those embarking on their medical careers as it offers competitive pay compared to national standards, with entry-level radiologist salaries exceeding the national median of $441,903 by approximately 14.20%.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level radiologists in Richmond, VA typically start between $292,689 and $363,338 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $431,899 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $504,635 — 14.2% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Virginia of $280,000 represents just 95.66% of the starting radiologist pay ($292,689/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $292,689 to $363,338, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $431,899 ( 147.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $292,689, experienced hygienists can earn up to $724,588.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$246,714
2025 BLS Actual
$278,751
2026 Current Est.
$292,689
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Richmond (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $246,714 | Actual |
| 2022 | $242,925 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $233,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $278,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $292,689 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $307,323 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, VA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $246,714 in 2021 to $278,751 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $307,323. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
In Richmond, several prominent employers actively seek entry-level radiologists, including academic medical centers that provide exposure to a variety of subspecialties and a pathway to fellowship opportunities. Large private practices typically hire candidates directly from residency, setting a clear path toward partnership in 2-3 years. Teleradiology firms are also an option for new graduates who prefer a remote working lifestyle, often hiring fellowship-trained radiologists. To enhance starting pay, aspiring radiologists should ensure they hold either an MD or DO degree, complete a diagnostic radiology residency, and achieve ABR board certification. Career strategies should focus on discerning between private partnerships and hospital employment pathways, given the historical shifts in partnership models following private equity acquisitions. During the first few years, graduates can anticipate growth in earnings as they gain experience, with many seeing realistic adjustments toward the standard hospital W-2 employment salaries, typically ranging between $400,000 and $550,000, as they progress in their careers.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richmond 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