Radiologist Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $226.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Sterling, VA runs $226.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $471,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $219.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $283,191 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the radiologist hourly pay is projected to be $226.92 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national average of $212.45. This strong hourly rate not only benefits full-time radiologists but also creates appealing opportunities for part-time professionals and per diem workers. Practicing for even three days a week allows radiologists to earn a significant income, working in environments such as hospital reading rooms, outpatient imaging centers, and even remote home reading stations. The hourly earnings vary sharply in Sterling, ranging from about $131.62 for entry-level positions to $311.99 for top earners. These estimates derived from annual salary data provide a useful framework for understanding financial prospects in the field.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $131.62 | $1052.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $163.38 | $1307.04 |
| Median (P50) | $226.92 | $1815.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $270.38 | $2163.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $311.99 | $2495.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $226.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $226.92/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $471,984 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $272,299. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $9,076.62 | $39,332 | $471,984 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,445.97 | $23,599 | $283,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,630.65 | $15,733 | $188,794 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Sterling) | $226.92 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $471,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.81% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $492,174.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $226.92/hr = $283,191/year (purchasing power: $274,409).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $471,984/year (purchasing power: $457,349).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$177.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$216.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$226.92/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Sterling (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $177.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $186.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $196.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $180.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $216.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $226.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $238.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Sterling grew 21.6% from $177.79/hr (2021) to $216.11/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $238.26/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
For those considering part-time or locum tenens positions, taking a work schedule of approximately 24 hours per week yields impressive earning potential. For example, working just three days a week allows a radiologist to bring home nearly $355,000 annually, significantly enhancing work-life balance compared to full-time commitments. Meanwhile, per diem radiologist pay in Sterling can be lucrative, as teleradiology night-hawk shifts may yield between $1,200 and $2,500 per overnight, depending on the facility’s urgency and demand. Rates for weekend coverage can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per day, with locum work in interventional radiology frequently exceeding $3,000 per day. Variability in hourly rates can also be seen across different employer types in Sterling, such as private practices, hospitals, and teleradiology firms. While some radiologists might opt for lucrative hourly rates without benefits, others may choose positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for valuable perks like health insurance. Effective negotiation skills are essential in this market, allowing radiologists to tailor their compensation packages based on their unique needs and preferences.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologists in Sterling in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologists make in Sterling?
Are radiologists in Sterling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologist make per year in Sterling?
Do radiologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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