Radiologist Hourly Pay in Hickory, NC: $194.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Hickory, NC runs $194.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $404,599 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Hickory's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $207.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $242,765 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hickory, North Carolina, the radiologist hourly pay reaches a median of $194.52, slightly below the national average of $212.45. This difference reflects the local economic conditions and can significantly impact radiologists, especially those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem positions. For those working three days a week, such as in hospital reading rooms and outpatient imaging centers, the pay allows for a decent living while potentially balancing other commitments. Additionally, the hourly pay range is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $112.82 per hour, while more seasoned professionals at the top of their game can earn up to $274.72 per hour. These figures provide a comprehensive look at the compensation landscape for radiologists in Hickory, showcasing the sector's viability.
About the Hickory Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $112.82 | $902.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $140.05 | $1120.39 |
| Median (P50) | $194.52 | $1556.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $228.90 | $1831.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $274.72 | $2197.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hickory
Based on $194.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $194.52/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hickory, NC can expect to earn approximately $404,608 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $233,428. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hickory.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hickory
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $7,780.92 | $33,717 | $404,608 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $4,668.55 | $20,230 | $242,765 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,112.37 | $13,487 | $161,843 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Hickory) | $194.52 |
| Anesthesiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Cardiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.15 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $40.79 |
Radiologists in Hickory, NC earn a median of $404,599 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.44% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 2.20% below the North Carolina state average of $413,700.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $194.52/hr = $242,765/year (purchasing power: $259,364).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $404,608/year (purchasing power: $432,273).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$152.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$185.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$194.52/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Hickory (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $152.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $160.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $168.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $162.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $185.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $194.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $204.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Hickory grew 21.6% from $152.41/hr (2021) to $185.26/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $204.25/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hickory 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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologist in Hickory
Focusing further on the earning potential for radiologists working in Hickory, those opting for part-time roles can expect to earn significantly different amounts than their full-time counterparts. For example, a radiologist working a typical 3-day week, amounting to roughly 24 hours, could take home around $249,000 annually. This contrasts sharply with the potential earnings from per diem work, where night-hawk shifts in teleradiology may bring in between $1,200 and $2,500 overnight, and weekend coverage often pays $1,500 to $3,000 per day. Moreover, the type of employer plays a crucial role in defining pay rates, with practitioners in private radiology group practices or academic medical centers often enjoying varying levels of compensation. Many radiologists face a trade-off between lower hourly wages that include health benefits versus higher rates without such perks. Negotiating effectively can make a significant difference in securing better terms, particularly within Hickory's unique healthcare environment.
More salary data for Hickory, NC:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologists in Hickory. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hickory 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