Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ames, IA: $33.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Ames, IA runs $33.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Ames's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,167 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ames, Iowa, radiologic technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $33.79, which is significantly lower than the national median of $40.55. This hourly rate offers a viable option for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, while per-diem roles further diversify earning potential. Typical settings include hospital imaging suites, outpatient imaging centers, and urgent care facilities, with hourly wages spanning from $25.44 for entry-level positions to $41.78 for top earners. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlights the financial landscape for professionals in this field.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.44 | $203.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.88 | $223.05 |
| Median (P50) | $33.79 | $270.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.42 | $275.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.78 | $334.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ames
Based on $33.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.79/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ames, IA can expect to earn approximately $70,278 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,545. With a cost-of-living index of 88.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ames.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ames
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,351.50 | $5,857 | $70,278 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $810.90 | $3,514 | $42,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.60 | $2,343 | $28,111 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Ames) | $33.79 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Ames, IA earn a median of $70,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 2.20% above the Iowa state average of $68,778.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.79/hr = $42,167/year (purchasing power: $47,469).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,278/year (purchasing power: $79,115).
CoL index: 88.83 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Ames grew 34.9% from $23.78/hr (2019) to $32.09/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.57/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in Ames
For part-time radiologic technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay may total around $42,189, markedly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem positions often provide the opportunity to bill between $40 and $60 per hour, with cross-trained CT and MRI technicians commanding even higher rates, generally from $50 to $75. The hourly rates can vary by employer type; for example, hospital imaging departments may offer different compensation structures compared to outpatient centers or orthopedic surgery practices. While some radiologic technologists accept lower hourly rates for the sake of benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without those benefits. With negotiations in play, it’s advisable for those entering the field to assess their priorities and leverage their ASRT and ARRT credentials effectively.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Ames in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Ames?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Ames paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Ames?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ames?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in Ames. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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