Radiologist Salary in Wake Forest, NC: $407,798 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Wake Forest, NC earns a median $407,798/year (≈ $196.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Wake Forest's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $435,682 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologists in Wake Forest, North Carolina, can expect a median annual salary of $407,798 in 2026, reflecting a dynamic local market teeming with opportunities. The salary range spans from $236,523 at the 10th percentile to $583,498 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating considerable variation based on experience, subspecialty, and workplace setting. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, provide insight into how the local compensation structure compares to broader national trends. While the average pay slightly lags behind the national median of $441,903, the robust demand for radiologists in Wake Forest indicates that significant income potential exists, particularly for those willing to embrace teleradiology opportunities that enhance their overall hourly compensation.
About the Wake Forest Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $236,523 | $113.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $293,615 | $141.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $407,798 | $196.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $496,628 | $238.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $583,498 | $280.53 |
Median Salary Position
7.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wake Forest
In Wake Forest, NC, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $346,975 (2026 est.). At $407,798, the local median is 7.72% below the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wake Forest Radiologist Pay Compares
Wake Forest median: $407,798/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $413,588 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | -7.72% less |
Radiologists in Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $407,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.72% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $413,588.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wake Forest 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.
Wake Forest, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A radiologist earning $407,798 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $435,682 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$319,520
2025 BLS Actual
$388,379
2026 Current Est.
$407,798
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Wake Forest (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $319,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $335,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $352,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $341,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $388,379 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $407,798 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $428,188 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wake Forest metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $319,520 (2021) to $388,379 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $428,188 by 2027 — a total increase of $108,668 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wake Forest 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) | $236,523 – $293,615 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $293,615 – $407,798 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $407,798 – $496,628 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $496,628 – $583,498 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Wake Forest
In Wake Forest, the job market for radiologists is supported by a small pool of nine employed professionals, creating a tight-knit community. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, the purchasing power for radiologists is somewhat enhanced, allowing for comfortable living despite the median salary being below national averages. With local employers ranging from academic medical centers to private radiology group practices and teleradiology firms, there are lucrative options for those who seek the highest radiologist pay in Wake Forest, NC. Variability in compensation often stems from factors such as RVU productivity, the mix of subspecialties, and the potential for partnership equity in private groups. Maximizing pay in this market involves leveraging subspecialty skills, particularly interventional radiology, and considering night or weekend work to garner additional income. With strategic planning, radiologists can position themselves effectively to thrive in the evolving landscape of Wake Forest's healthcare sector.
More salary data for Wake Forest, 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 $388,379 for radiologistsin the Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest 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