Senior Radiologist Salary in Burlington, NC: $589,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Burlington, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $589,567/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $629,879 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For senior radiologists in Burlington, North Carolina, the financial rewards can be substantial, particularly for those achieving the highest levels of expertise and experience. In 2026, top earners in this field can anticipate salaries reaching $589,567, while those at the 75th percentile can expect about $499,351. While the median annual salary sits at $405,242, the clear premium on experience is evident in this gap, highlighting what it takes to operate at the top echelons of radiology. Moving into such upper-tier pay typically requires not only a deep understanding of various subspecialties but also strategic career moves, such as transitioning into leadership within radiology groups or specializing in high-demand areas. Burlington's senior radiologist pay reflects both the value of advanced credentials and the competitive landscape that challenges experts to continuously enhance their skill sets.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $499,351 and $589,567 per year (2026 est.). This $354,527 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $405,242 sits 8.3% below the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $405,242 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $499,351 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $589,567 | $624,131 |
In Burlington, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 45.49% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $405,242 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $499,351–$589,567 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Burlington 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 Burlington
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #12 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $589,567).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Burlington ($589,567) is 3.48% below the North Carolina average P90 ($610,815).
2021 BLS Actual
$461,941
2025 BLS Actual
$561,492
2026 Current Est.
$589,567
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $461,941 | Actual |
| 2022 | $485,038 | Actual |
| 2023 | $509,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $446,553 | Actual |
| 2025 | $561,492 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $589,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $619,045 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $461,941 in 2021 to $561,492 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 $619,045 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Compensation for experienced radiologists in Burlington varies significantly depending on the subspecialty and the type of employer. Those specializing in interventional radiology, neuroradiology, or pediatric radiology, for instance, tend to command premium rates due to the complexity and demand of their skill sets. Senior-level compensation structures differ among private practices, academic medical centers, and teleradiology firms, which offer unique pay models. For example, partnership positions in private radiology groups may yield higher earnings than traditional hospital-employed scenarios. Furthermore, leadership opportunities, such as becoming a department chair or a medical director for teleradiology services, can propel earnings even higher. Advanced credentials beyond an MD or DO, including ABR board certification and fellowship training, also serve to increase market potential in a landscape shaped by shifting dynamics in partnership and compensation structures across the state.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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 $561,492 for radiologists in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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