Radiologist Salary in Charlotte, NC: $453,304 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Charlotte, NC earns a median $453,304/year (≈ $217.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Charlotte's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $484,299 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.6% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $453,304 for radiologists in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2026, the local compensation is slightly above the national median of $441,903, reflecting a 2.58% premium. This figure represents a broad salary range, with the lowest earners making around $262,916 and the top-tier professionals earning upwards of $650,198. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted to reflect regional economic conditions. Given the increasing trend of teleradiology, many radiologists in Charlotte are enhancing their effective hourly compensation through side incomes, particularly in night-hawk services and 24/7 coverage, thus increasing their overall earnings potential in this vibrant job market.
About the Charlotte Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $262,916 | $126.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $326,379 | $156.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $453,304 | $217.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $548,689 | $263.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $650,198 | $312.60 |
Median Salary Position
2.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charlotte
In Charlotte, NC, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $387,282 (2026 est.). At $453,304, the local median is 2.58% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charlotte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Charlotte Radiologist Pay Compares
Charlotte median: $453,304/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charlotte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $413,598 | +9.60% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +2.58% more |
Radiologists in Charlotte, NC earn a median of $453,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.58% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 9.60% above the North Carolina state average of $413,598.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charlotte has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charlotte, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A radiologist earning $453,304 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $484,299 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$355,175
2025 BLS Actual
$431,718
2026 Current Est.
$453,304
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Charlotte (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $355,175 | Actual |
| 2022 | $372,934 | Actual |
| 2023 | $391,581 | Actual |
| 2024 | $379,546 | Actual |
| 2025 | $431,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $453,304 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $475,969 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charlotte metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $355,175 (2021) to $431,718 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $475,969 by 2027 — a total increase of $120,794 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charlotte 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $262,916 – $326,379 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $326,379 – $453,304 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $453,304 – $548,689 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $548,689 – $650,198 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Charlotte
The job market for radiologists in Charlotte is notable, with 148 professionals currently employed in the region, contributing to a competitive climate for talents. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 93.6, the purchasing power for radiologists remains strong, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. The highest paying employers tend to be private radiology group practices and academic medical centers, where compensation packages often reflect the diverse subspecialty mix, especially in interventional radiology, which commands premiums. Productivity models such as RVU can significantly influence earnings, along with partnership opportunities providing an equity stake and various income avenues. For those navigating their careers in the area, pursuing subspecialization, understanding the differences between W-2 employment and partnerships, and exploring teleradiology can be vital strategies to maximize pay in the Charlotte NC market.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $431,718 for radiologistsin the Charlotte metropolitan area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Charlotte 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