Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Des Moines, WA: $70,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,974 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,084 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,403) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Des Moines, WA, is projected to be around $70,974 in 2026. This amount is significantly lower than the city's overall median salary of $99,403, highlighting a gap that many fresh entrants in the workforce will need to navigate. However, there is room for growth in the early years, with a path from this entry-level figure up to $80,737 within the first few years of employment, leading towards the median as new techs gain experience. With a 5.29% annual growth rate anticipated over the next five years, Des Moines presents a promising job market for newly minted radiologic professionals seeking opportunities to build their careers in a supportive environment.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Des Moines, WA typically start between $70,974 and $80,737 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,425 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,403 — 17.85% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 42.27% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($70,974/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $70,974 to $80,737, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's moderate 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 Des Moines is $72,425 ( 102.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,974, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,399.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,948
2025 BLS Actual
$67,408
2026 Current Est.
$70,974
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,948 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,791 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,414 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,231 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,418 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,728 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,948 in 2019 to $67,408 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,728. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
In Des Moines, several employers actively seek out recent graduates in radiologic technology. Major hospital systems typically hire new grads for entry-level positions while providing opportunities for paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT or MRI during the first couple of years, which is essential for anyone looking to increase their earnings. Outpatient imaging centers also recruit entry-level technologists, particularly those who are willing to expand their skill sets. Holding an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT national registration in radiography (R), enhances starting pay and employment prospects. First-year salary negotiations should consider that initial positions in traditional radiography may compress at the lower end of the scale, making early cross-training in additional modalities a pivotal career strategy to maximize salary and job satisfaction moving forward. With realistic salary expectations in the range of $80,737 to $121,466 within the first three years, newcomers can have a clear plan for professional advancement in the radiologic field.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Des Moines?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Des Moines?
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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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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 5.29%, 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