Ames vs Iowa City: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Ames, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,292▲ | $69,302 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.79▲ | $33.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,919 | $57,236▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,994 | $68,133▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,587 | $91,581▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,896 | $111,155▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Ames and Iowa City are closely matched on overall radiologic technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ames and Iowa City is $990 (1.43%). Ames's median is -16.66% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $33,977,Iowa City spans $53,919. Iowa City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($79,131 effective) pays 4.49% more than Iowa City ($75,732 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,292/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,131)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,155)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Ames grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Ames, IA
$49,450 (2019) → $66,760 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$55,800 (2019) → $65,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Ames or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Ames to Iowa City as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Ames vs Iowa City?
Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov