Radiologist Hourly Pay in Durham, NC: $204.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Durham, NC runs $204.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $426,217 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Durham's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $218.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $255,725 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologists in Durham, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $204.91, which is slightly below the national median of $212.45. This hourly compensation provides an attractive option for part-time (three days per week) and per-diem workers, particularly in settings like hospital reading rooms and outpatient imaging centers, allowing for flexible work arrangements without a significant sacrifice in income. The hourly pay spectrum in Durham ranges from $118.85 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $309.27 for the highest earners, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization within the field. Such estimates stem from the annual salary data, enabling a clearer picture for those contemplating the financial implications of choosing a career in radiology within the region.
About the Durham Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $118.85 | $950.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $147.54 | $1180.28 |
| Median (P50) | $204.91 | $1639.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $249.02 | $1992.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $309.27 | $2474.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durham
Based on $204.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $204.91/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durham, NC can expect to earn approximately $426,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $245,889. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Durham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $8,196.30 | $35,517 | $426,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $4,917.78 | $21,310 | $255,725 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,278.52 | $14,207 | $170,483 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Durham) | $204.91 |
| Anesthesiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Cardiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.15 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $40.79 |
Radiologists in Durham, NC earn a median of $426,217 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.55% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $413,803.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $204.91/hr = $255,725/year (purchasing power: $273,210).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $426,208/year (purchasing power: $455,350).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$160.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$195.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$204.91/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Durham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $160.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $168.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $177.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $171.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $195.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $204.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $215.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Durham grew 21.6% from $160.55/hr (2021) to $195.15/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $215.15/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durham 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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologist in Durham
When evaluating potential earnings, part-time radiologists who work 24 hours a week could take home approximately $156,828 annually, compared to full-time counterparts earning significantly higher. For those considering per-diem positions, the compensation can be quite lucrative; teleradiology shifts often command rates between $1,200 and $2,500 per night, with weekend coverage payments ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per day. Subspecialty interventional radiology locum tenens roles could exceed $3,000 per day, particularly in facilities facing staffing shortages. Hourly rates tend to differ based on employer types in Durham, with private radiology groups, hospital departments, and teleradiology firms offering various pay and benefit structures. Radiologists may face trade-offs regarding hourly pay and benefits, often opting for lower rates with comprehensive health insurance. For those negotiating hourly terms, being aware of local market rates and understanding the diverse employment opportunities available can enhance the negotiation process.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologists in Durham in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologists in Durham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Durham 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