Iowa City vs Urbandale: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Iowa City, IA and Urbandale, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | Urbandale, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,302▲ | $65,742 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.32▲ | $31.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,236▲ | $48,623 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,133▲ | $54,487 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,581▲ | $80,023 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,155▲ | $94,084 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Urbandale.
The salary gap between Iowa City and Urbandale is $3,560 (5.42%). Iowa City's median is -17.84% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $53,919,Urbandale spans $45,461. Iowa City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Iowa City ($75,732 effective) pays 4.14% more than Urbandale ($72,723 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,302/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,155)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,732)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Urbandale if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Iowa City grew 18.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.2% growth in Urbandale over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$55,800 (2019) → $65,820 (2025)
Urbandale, IA
$56,142 (2024) → $62,439 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Urbandale, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Iowa City or Urbandale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and Urbandale?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to Urbandale as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Iowa City vs Urbandale?
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