Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $33.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in West Des Moines, IA runs $33.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,298 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,180 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for radiologic technologists and technicians in West Des Moines is projected to be $33.80, which is notably lower than the national median of $40.55. This discrepancy can impact those seeking part-time or per-diem work, where earning potential varies widely. With hourly rates ranging from $24.40 for entry-level positions to $50.00 for experienced professionals, individuals working three days a week could see substantial annual earnings, depending on the hours they put in. These roles are typically found in diverse settings such as hospital imaging suites, outpatient imaging centers, and urgent care facilities, which adds flexibility for those balancing multiple responsibilities or considering per-diem opportunities.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.40 | $195.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.93 | $215.47 |
| Median (P50) | $33.80 | $270.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.88 | $335.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.00 | $400.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $33.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.80/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $70,300 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,558. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,351.92 | $5,858 | $70,300 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $811.15 | $3,515 | $42,180 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.77 | $2,343 | $28,120 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (West Des Moines) | $33.80 |
| 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 West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $70,298 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 $68,785.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.80/hr = $42,180/year (purchasing power: $46,659).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,300/year (purchasing power: $77,766).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in West Des Moines grew 32.4% from $24.25/hr (2019) to $32.10/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.59/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 West 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 West Des Moines
Part-time radiologic technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week could see their annual earnings much lower than full-time professionals, resulting in significantly distinct financial outcomes. Per-diem options present a lucrative alternative, as these professionals often bill between $40 and $60 per hour, with cross-trained CT and MRI technologists commanding $50 to $75 an hour. Travel contracts for rad techs can be especially lucrative, yielding weekly pay of $1,800 to $2,800. This variety of pay structures underscores the differences across various employer types in West Des Moines, from outpatient centers to mobile X-ray companies. While some may sacrifice higher hourly pay for benefit options in a full-time role, savvy negotiations can turn per diem positions into profitable endeavors, especially as healthcare facilities seek flexibility in staffing. Understanding these dynamics can significantly impact career choices and financial planning in this field.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in West Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in West Des Moines?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in West Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in West Des Moines?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in West 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 West 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
Salary data for West 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