Radiologist Salary in Bristol, VA: $473,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Bristol, VA earns a median $473,045/year (≈ $227.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $458,377 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, radiologists can expect a median annual salary of $473,045 in 2026, reflecting a 7.05% premium over the national average of $441,903. The salary range for radiologists in the area varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $274,366 and experienced professionals reaching up to $630,980. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. The market for radiologists in Bristol encompasses a mix of subspecialties, including interventional radiology (IR), general diagnostic radiology, and breast imaging, which can influence compensation levels based on demand and the prevailing structure of local healthcare practices.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $274,366 | $131.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $340,593 | $163.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $473,045 | $227.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $556,688 | $267.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $630,980 | $303.36 |
Median Salary Position
7.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $356,614 (2026 est.). At $473,045, the local median is 7.05% above the national median of $441,903.
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At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be above the median
How Bristol Radiologist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $473,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $491,731 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | +7.05% more |
Radiologists in Bristol, VA earn a median of $473,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.05% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 3.80% below the Virginia state average of $491,731.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $473,045 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $458,377 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$370,643
2025 BLS Actual
$450,519
2026 Current Est.
$473,045
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Bristol (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $370,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $389,175 | Actual |
| 2023 | $408,634 | Actual |
| 2024 | $377,109 | Actual |
| 2025 | $450,519 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $473,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $496,697 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $370,643 (2021) to $450,519 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $496,697 by 2027 — a total increase of $126,054 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $274,366 – $340,593 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $340,593 – $473,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $473,045 – $556,688 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $556,688 – $630,980 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Bristol
The local job market features only six practicing radiologists, suggesting a competitive field, alongside a cost-of-living index of 103.2 that slightly exceeds the national average. This environment impacts take-home purchasing power, especially for those considering employment options such as private radiology groups, hospital settings, or teleradiology roles. Rates of pay in Bristol are influenced by factors like RVU productivity models, the equity stake in partnerships, and on-call responsibilities, with IR subspecialists commanding higher salaries due to their specialized skill set. To maximize earning potential, radiologists might consider pursuing roles in established private practices or negotiating terms that allow for additional income through teleradiology or remote night coverage, alongside seeking partnership opportunities that align with their career goals in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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 $450,519 for radiologistsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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