Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $280,532 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Suffolk, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $280,532 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Suffolk's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $271,833 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($483,675) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting salary for entry-level radiologists in Suffolk, Virginia, is projected at $280,532. This figure is notably below the city’s median radiologist salary of $483,675, indicating a salary gap of approximately $203,143 for those at the beginning of their careers. For new graduates, this starting point sets a challenging yet realistic expectation; over the first three to five years, one can anticipate salary growth toward the 25th percentile pay of $348,246 as they gain experience and begin to establish their professional reputation in the field. Overall, Suffolk offers a viable market for early-career radiologists, balancing relatively competitive salaries with the financial demands of living in a region where the cost of living is slightly above the national average, reflected in a cost of living index of 103.2.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Suffolk
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 Suffolk
Entry-level radiologists in Suffolk, VA typically start between $280,532 and $348,246 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $425,310 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $483,675 — 9.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Virginia of $280,000 represents just 99.81% of the starting radiologist pay ($280,532/year) in Suffolk. 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 Suffolk
- 1Research the Suffolk market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $280,532 to $348,246, 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 Suffolk, 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 Suffolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Suffolk'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 Suffolk is $425,310 ( 151.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $280,532, experienced hygienists can earn up to $705,842.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$236,467
2025 BLS Actual
$267,173
2026 Current Est.
$280,532
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Suffolk (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $236,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $232,835 | Actual |
| 2023 | $239,408 | Actual |
| 2024 | $223,638 | Actual |
| 2025 | $267,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $280,532 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $294,558 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Suffolk, VA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $236,467 in 2021 to $267,173 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $294,558. New graduates entering the Suffolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Several local employers in Suffolk hire new graduate radiologists, including academic medical centers that provide opportunities for subspecialty training and fellowship pathways. Large private practice partnerships typically hire from residency programs, while teleradiology firms may prefer fellowship-trained radiologists for remote work opportunities. To boost starting pay in Virginia, obtaining the essential MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and achieving ABR board certification are crucial steps, with optional 1-2 year subspecialty fellowships enhancing future earning potential. Within the context of career strategy, new radiologists are likely to see initial salaries on the lower end of the scale but can project steady growth as they navigate the evolving clinical landscape influenced by private equity acquisitions. Those pursuing careers in hospital employment can expect a more stable income, generally ranging from $400,000 to $550,000, while private partnerships could lead to significantly higher earnings as part of long-term goals.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Suffolk in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Suffolk?
Is radiology school worth it in Suffolk?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in Suffolk?
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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 Suffolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Suffolk 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