Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $47.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Des Moines, WA runs $47.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,403 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 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,643 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Des Moines, WA, radiologic technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $47.79, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $40.55. This premium reflects the high demand for skilled imaging professionals across various settings, including hospital imaging suites, outpatient centers, and urgent care facilities. The hourly wage ranges from approximately $34.12 for entry-level positions, pushing up to an impressive $68.94 for the most experienced practitioners in the field. Such a pay scale is particularly advantageous for part-time workers and per-diem radiologic technologists who may benefit from flexible schedules, earning competitive rates while working just three days a week or on an as-needed basis. These hourly rates are derived from estimated annual salaries, indicating a strong financial incentive for those entering or advancing within this career path.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.12 | $273.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.82 | $310.56 |
| Median (P50) | $47.79 | $382.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.39 | $467.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.94 | $551.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $47.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.79/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $99,406 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,349. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,911.65 | $8,284 | $99,406 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,146.99 | $4,970 | $59,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $764.66 | $3,314 | $39,762 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Des Moines) | $47.79 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $99,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.85% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $100,306.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.79/hr = $59,643/year (purchasing power: $55,534).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,406/year (purchasing power: $92,556).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
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 | $34.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.32/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 32.4% from $34.28/hr (2019) to $45.39/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.32/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
Part-time radiologic technologists and technicians working in shifts of three days a week can expect to earn around $56,465 annually based on their hourly rate, which contrasts sharply with full-time colleagues. For those who pursue per-diem or travel opportunities, the compensation is even more lucrative. Per diem roles might command rates between $40 and $60 per hour, while cross-trained professionals skilled in CT or MRI can reach up to $75 an hour. Furthermore, travel contracts can yield weekly earnings as high as $2,800, particularly for specialized imaging modalities. In Des Moines, variations in hourly rates may occur based on the employer type; hospital departments generally offer more stability and benefits compared to outpatient centers and urgent care clinics. However, some technicians opt for higher hourly pay without benefits, weighing their priorities differently based on personal circumstances. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Des Moines often involve emphasizing specialized training and the demand for cross-trained technologists, enabling them to secure better compensation packages in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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?
Related Pages
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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 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 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