Senior Radiologist Salary in Winston, NC: $371,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Winston, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $371,333/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Winston's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $403,434 in average-cost America. The 11% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, the top radiologist salary in Winston, North Carolina peaks at an impressive $371,333, which is substantially competitive within the local market, particularly when considering that the median annual salary for experienced radiologists stands at $333,113. The potential for top earners in Winston reflects a significant experience premium, with the P90 figure demonstrating that dedicated professionals can extend their earnings substantially above the median. Achieving this upper echelon of compensation often requires a combination of advanced credentials, subspecialization in high-demand areas, and strategic career decisions, such as moving into partnerships, which can provide lucrative income pathways significantly above typical hospital employment.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Winston earn between $333,123 and $371,333 per year (2026 est.). This $289,632 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winston median of $333,113 sits 24.62% below the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Winston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $333,113 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $333,123 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $371,333 | $624,131 |
In Winston, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 11.47% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Winston
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $333,113 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winston employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Winston command premium compensation, often reaching the $333,123–$371,333 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winston metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Winston with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Radiologists in North Carolina who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Winston
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWinston ranks #43 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $371,333).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Winston ($371,333) is 39.21% below the North Carolina average P90 ($610,815).
2021 Est.
$290,949
2025 BLS Actual
$353,650
2026 Current Est.
$371,333
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Winston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: estimated from national BLS trend. 2025: local BLS actual. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $290,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $305,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $320,771 | Actual |
| 2024 | $336,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $353,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $371,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $389,899 | Projected |
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Winston are projected to see their compensation grow to $389,899 by 2027. The 5.00% annual growth rate reflects continued demand for senior-level clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials in the Winston-NC metro area.
Note: Historical values (2021–2024) are estimated from national BLS OEWS trends. The 2025 figure is sourced directly from the BLS OEWS survey. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.00% CAGR derived from national BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Radiologist Earnings in Winston
A variety of subspecialties command higher compensation in the Winston area, particularly interventional radiology and neuroradiology, where senior-level radiologists can expect premium pay. Compensation also varies significantly across different types of employers; private group practices often offer the most lucrative partnership opportunities, while hospital-employed radiologists typically receive different levels of benefits and salary structures. Advanced certifications, like those from the ABR, and additional fellowships increase salary potential, particularly as leaders advance to roles like department chair or medical director at teleradiology firms. Non-salary benefits also factor into senior radiologist pay in NC, where productivity models and ownership stakes provide meaningful additional income, contrasting sharply with the W-2 employment structures common in hospital settings.
More salary data for Winston, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Winston in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Winston?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Winston?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Winston?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Winston?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $353,650 for radiologists in the Winston metro area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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