Senior Radiologist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $705,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Suffolk, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $705,842/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Suffolk's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $683,955 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, the 2026 projected salary for experienced radiologists reveals significant earning potential, particularly for those at the top tier. Senior radiologists can aim for an impressive P90 figure of $705,842, reflecting a substantial gap from the median annual salary of $483,675 in the same year. This experience premium highlights the value placed on seasoned professionals who master complex diagnostic techniques and build strong patient and institutional relationships. Achieving such high salaries requires not only years of clinical practice but also a commitment to specialization and continuous education, demonstrating expertise across various subspecialties within radiology.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($380,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Suffolk earn between $569,764 and $705,842 per year (2026 est.). This $425,310 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Suffolk median of $483,675 sits 9.45% above the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Suffolk | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $483,675 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $569,764 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $705,842 | $624,131 |
In Suffolk, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 45.93% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Suffolk
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $483,675 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Suffolk employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Suffolk command premium compensation, often reaching the $569,764–$705,842 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Suffolk metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Suffolk 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 Virginia 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 Suffolk
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSuffolk ranks #8 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $705,842).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Suffolk ($705,842) is 0.06% below the Virginia average P90 ($706,244).
2021 BLS Actual
$553,045
2025 BLS Actual
$672,230
2026 Current Est.
$705,842
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Suffolk (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $553,045 | Actual |
| 2022 | $580,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $609,732 | Actual |
| 2024 | $509,186 | Actual |
| 2025 | $672,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $705,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $741,134 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Suffolk saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $553,045 in 2021 to $672,230 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.00% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $741,134 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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.
Maximizing Your Radiologist Earnings in Suffolk
Several factors influence the senior radiologist pay in Suffolk. Specializations such as interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and nuclear medicine command higher salaries and present more opportunities for advancement. Additionally, the type of employer plays a pivotal role; radiologists in private practices may see compensation averages in the upper range, while those employed at academic medical centers or part of hospital departments may earn slightly less. Advancing into leadership roles, like a partner in a group practice or a medical director in teleradiology, can further boost earnings. Achieving ABR board certification and pursuing fellowship training can also add value. Additional compensation avenues, including RVU productivity models and equity stakes in private partnerships, further diversify income streams, making the senior radiologist salary in Suffolk highly competitive within the VA market.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Suffolk in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Suffolk?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Suffolk?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Suffolk?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Suffolk?
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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 $672,230 for radiologists in the Suffolk 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
Salary data for Suffolk 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