Radiologist Salary in Cornelius, NC: $408,161 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Cornelius, NC earns a median $408,161/year (≈ $196.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Cornelius's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $436,069 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cornelius, North Carolina, the projected median annual radiologist salary for 2026 is $408,161, slightly below the national median of $441,903. The local salary range varies significantly, with the 10th percentile earning $236,733 and the 90th percentile reaching up to $543,882. These figures, which are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, reflect the unique employment structures in this area. Radiologists often find themselves in a competitive environment where private partnerships may offer higher earnings compared to hospital W-2 positions, thereby shaping the overall compensation landscape. Given Cornelius's employment of only seven radiologists, this tight market influences salary levels and highlights the importance of strategic career decisions.
About the Cornelius Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $236,733 | $113.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $293,876 | $141.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $408,161 | $196.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $475,780 | $228.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $543,882 | $261.48 |
Median Salary Position
7.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cornelius
In Cornelius, NC, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $307,149 (2026 est.). At $408,161, the local median is 7.64% below the national median of $441,903.
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At 40 hours/week in Cornelius: You'd be above the median
How Cornelius Radiologist Pay Compares
Cornelius median: $408,161/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cornelius Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $413,537 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | -7.64% less |
Radiologists in Cornelius, NC earn a median of $408,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.64% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $413,537.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cornelius 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.
Cornelius, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A radiologist earning $408,161 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $436,069 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$319,805
2025 BLS Actual
$388,725
2026 Current Est.
$408,161
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Cornelius (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $319,805 | Actual |
| 2022 | $335,795 | Actual |
| 2023 | $352,585 | Actual |
| 2024 | $341,749 | Actual |
| 2025 | $388,725 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $408,161 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $428,569 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cornelius metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $319,805 (2021) to $388,725 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $428,569 by 2027 — a total increase of $108,764 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cornelius 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) | $236,733 – $293,876 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $293,876 – $408,161 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $408,161 – $475,780 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $475,780 – $543,882 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Cornelius
In assessing radiologist pay in Cornelius, NC, the local job market indicates a relatively stable demand despite the limited number of professionals. With a cost-of-living index at 93.6, physicians can enjoy a substantial purchasing power, allowing them to optimize their take-home pay. Among local employers, private radiology groups typically offer the greatest compensation due to partnership stakes, which can translate into higher earnings, especially for those involved in interventional radiology. To maximize pay, radiologists should focus on productivity models tied to RVU generation, explore opportunities for teleradiology, and consider the lucrative benefits of coverage for nights and weekends. Understanding the dynamics between partnership and W-2 employment is crucial for those navigating their career in this vibrant yet challenging market.
More salary data for Cornelius, 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
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 $388,725 for radiologistsin the Cornelius 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 Cornelius 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