Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $34.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Des Moines, IA runs $34.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,732 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, the radiologic technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $34.24. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $40.55, indicating a regional disparity. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates to a promising income that can accommodate varying lifestyle needs, especially in settings such as hospital imaging suites, outpatient centers, and urgent care facilities. Entry-level positions start around $29.59 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $43.79 per hour. These numbers reflect the official BLS hourly data for 2026, suggesting a structured pay scale that rewards experience and specialization within the field.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.59 | $236.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.92 | $255.39 |
| Median (P50) | $34.24 | $273.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.53 | $324.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.79 | $350.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $34.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.24/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $71,220 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,088. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,369.61 | $5,935 | $71,220 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $821.77 | $3,561 | $42,732 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.84 | $2,374 | $28,488 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Des Moines) | $34.24 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $71,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 3.50% above the Iowa state average of $68,810.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.24/hr = $42,732/year (purchasing power: $46,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,220/year (purchasing power: $77,665).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.3%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Des Moines grew 23.8% from $26.26/hr (2019) to $32.52/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.05/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in Des Moines
When considering part-time work, a radiologic technologist and technician employed for a 24-hour weekly schedule can anticipate earnings that differ significantly from full-time staff. Specifically, when working on a per diem basis, radiologic techs can command rates ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, with cross-trained professionals in CT and MRI boasting rates between $50 and $75. Specialty travel contracts can be even more lucrative, fetching $1,800 to $2,800 weekly for those willing to travel. In Des Moines, hourly rates fluctuate based on employer types; for instance, hospital positions might offer stability, but outpatient centers and mobile X-ray services can provide higher pay, albeit with less consistent hours. It's essential for radiologic technologists to assess the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits, like health insurance, when negotiating their positions. These considerations highlight the diverse earning potential and the importance of informed decision-making in the profession.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Des Moines?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Des Moines?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Des Moines?
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Career Resources
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 Des Moines. 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