Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Ames, IA: $52,919 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Ames, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,919 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ames's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,573 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,292) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those embarking on their careers as radiologic technologists and technicians in Ames, IA, the starting pay can be modest compared to the city median salary of $70,292. Entry-level positions reflect a range, with a realistic entry-level salary estimated at $52,919 for new graduates. This indicates a gap of nearly $17,373 when compared to the overall median salary, but early-career professionals can expect gradual growth. As entry-level technologists gain experience and pursue further education or certifications, such as ARRT national registration or additional modality training, they may see their salaries increase to $57,994 after gaining some experience, indicating a positive trajectory in their earnings over the first 3-5 years in the field. The job market in Ames appears favorable for new graduates aiming to enter this field, with anticipated growth set at 5.29% annually.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ames
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ames
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Ames, IA typically start between $52,919 and $57,994 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,977 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,292 — 16.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 37.79% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($52,919/year) in Ames. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on JRCERT-accredited radiography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Ames
- 1Research the Ames market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $52,919 to $57,994, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ames, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Ames for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ames's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Ames is $33,977 ( 64.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,919, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,896.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,020
2025 BLS Actual
$50,260
2026 Current Est.
$52,919
2019–2027 Growth
+54.7%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,020 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,919 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,718 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Ames, IA grew 39.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,020 in 2019 to $50,260 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,718. New graduates entering the Ames job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ames 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 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Ames
Employers in Ames who are keen to hire new radiologic technologist and technician graduates typically include hospital systems and outpatient imaging facilities. Most new grads find opportunities in hospitals, where they may receive paid cross-training in CT or MRI during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains actively recruit cross-trained technicians to enhance service delivery, while orthopedic practices often prefer candidates with prior experience in extremity work. Graduates should consider pursuing credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT registration to stand out among applicants. Additionally, continuing education and specialization in modalities like mammography can significantly elevate starting pay. Realistic salary growth during the initial years may see graduates transition from entry-level roles towards the median as they gain experience and certifications, reflecting the evolving demands and consolidation trends in the healthcare industry.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Ames. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
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