Radiologist Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $226.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Charleston, SC runs $226.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $470,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $247.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $282,155 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for radiologists in 2026 stands at $226.09, notably higher than the national median of $212.45. This hourly rate offers substantial earning potential for part-time and per-diem radiologists working in local healthcare settings, such as hospitals and outpatient imaging centers. For those considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, this translates into significant income, especially for professionals who may also take on per-diem shifts at various institutions. The hourly range for radiologists in Charleston spans from $131.12 at the 10th percentile to $327.23 at the 90th, reflecting the diversity in experience and specialization within the field. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a context for salary negotiations in this competitive profession.
About the Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($350,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $131.12 | $1048.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $162.78 | $1302.25 |
| Median (P50) | $226.09 | $1808.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $276.44 | $2211.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $327.23 | $2617.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $226.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $226.09/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $470,259 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $271,303. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $9,043.44 | $39,188 | $470,259 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,426.06 | $23,513 | $282,155 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,617.38 | $15,675 | $188,104 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Charleston) | $226.09 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $470,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.42% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 3.20% above the South Carolina state average of $455,673.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $226.09/hr = $282,155/year (purchasing power: $308,366).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $470,259/year (purchasing power: $513,944).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$177.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$215.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$226.09/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Charleston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $177.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $186.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $195.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $158.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $215.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $226.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $237.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Charleston grew 21.6% from $177.14/hr (2021) to $215.32/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $237.39/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
The earning potential for a part-time radiologist working 24 hours a week in Charleston could yield a take-home income significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues, raising issues about financial stability and benefits. Many radiologists choose per-diem roles due to the lucrative opportunities presented, especially in teleradiology. Night-hawk shifts can command pay rates between $1,200 to $2,500 for overnight coverage, while weekend shifts often pay $1,500 to $3,000 daily. Subspecialty IR locum work is particularly lucrative, with compensation exceeding $3,000 per day in some cases, especially at facilities in need of additional support. In Charleston, hourly rates may vary significantly depending on the employer type, whether working in private practices, hospitals, academic institutions, or teleradiology firms. While some choose positions with lower hourly rates for the benefits associated with full-time employment, others aim for higher hourly rates without benefits, leading to different strategic choices in their careers. Effective negotiation skills can help radiologists articulate their worth and navigate these complexities in the Charleston market.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
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 Charleston. 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 Charleston 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