Radiologist Salary in Salem, VA: $476,957 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Salem, VA earns a median $476,957/year (≈ $229.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $462,168 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In the radiology field within Salem, Virginia, the projected median annual salary stands at $476,957 for 2026, reflecting a competitive market compared to the national median of $441,903, translating to a notable increase of approximately 7.93%. The salary range for radiologists in this area demonstrates a broad spectrum, with figures spanning from $276,635 at the 10th percentile to $634,814 at the 90th percentile. Local data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates adjusted for regional cost disparities, indicates salary growth driven by demand for certain subspecialties such as interventional radiology (IR), general diagnostic imaging, and breast imaging. Given the high earning potential linked with these specialties, radiologists in Salem can navigate a viable career path that capitalizes on the unique needs of the regional healthcare landscape.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $276,635 | $132.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $343,409 | $165.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $476,957 | $229.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $556,605 | $267.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $634,814 | $305.20 |
Median Salary Position
7.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $358,179 (2026 est.). At $476,957, the local median is 7.93% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be above the median
How Salem Radiologist Pay Compares
Salem median: $476,957/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $491,709 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | +7.93% more |
Radiologists in Salem, VA earn a median of $476,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.93% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $491,709.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $476,957 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $462,168 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$373,708
2025 BLS Actual
$454,245
2026 Current Est.
$476,957
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $373,708 | Actual |
| 2022 | $392,394 | Actual |
| 2023 | $412,014 | Actual |
| 2024 | $380,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $454,245 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $476,957 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $500,805 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $373,708 (2021) to $454,245 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $500,805 by 2027 — a total increase of $127,097 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $276,635 – $343,409 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $343,409 – $476,957 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $476,957 – $556,605 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $556,605 – $634,814 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Salem
Currently, six radiologists are working within Salem, creating a job market that is both niche and competitive. With a cost-of-living index at 103.2—slightly above the national average—the purchasing power of a radiologist's salary can be impacted, warranting a careful examination of employment options. Those seeking the highest compensation will likely find that private radiology group practices and hospital-employed positions can pay differently, with factors such as partnership equity stakes or teleradiology opportunities influencing overall earnings. The significant variance in salaries—shaped by RVU productivity and subspecialty focus—underscores the importance of understanding local employment dynamics. For radiologists in Salem, enhancing earning potential could involve pursuing lucrative IR opportunities or considering arrangements that offer revenue-sharing models to maximize take-home pay effectively. Engaging these strategic avenues will be key for professionals aiming to elevate their financial standing in this evolving field.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $454,245 for radiologistsin the Salem 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 Salem 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