Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Waterloo, IA: $67,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Waterloo, IA earns a median $67,775/year (≈ $32.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Waterloo's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 87.1), that paycheck buys what $77,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Waterloo, IA, is projected to be $67,775, which falls below the national median of $84,348. The salary range in this area stretches from $51,382 at the lower end to $86,117 for the highest earners. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicates that specialization matters. Those who obtain additional credentials in modalities such as CT and MRI can expect to command higher compensation, as employers increasingly recognize the value of cross-trained professionals in a competitive job market. As radiologic technologists and technicians navigate their career paths, understanding the income potential based on modality expertise is essential for making informed decisions about their professional development in Waterloo.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,382 | $24.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,732 | $31.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,775 | $32.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,590 | $40.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,117 | $41.40 |
Median Salary Position
19.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterloo
In Waterloo, IA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,735 (2026 est.). At $67,775, the local median is 19.65% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterloo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterloo Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waterloo median: $67,775/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterloo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $68,807 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | -19.65% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Waterloo, IA earn a median of $67,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.65% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 1.50% below the Iowa state average of $68,807.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterloo has a cost of living 12.94% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterloo, IA has a cost-of-living index of 87.057 (below the national average of 100). A radiologic technologist and technician earning $67,775 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,851 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.87% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,080
2025 BLS Actual
$64,370
2026 Current Est.
$67,775
2019–2027 Growth
+32.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,738 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,360 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterloo metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 19.0% from $54,080 (2019) to $64,370 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,360 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,280 (31.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterloo 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,382 – $64,732 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,732 – $67,775 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,775 – $83,590 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,590 – $86,117 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Waterloo
With approximately 150 radiologic technologists and technicians employed in the Waterloo area, the local job market appears stable. The cost of living index for Waterloo stands at 87.057, indicating a lower-than-average cost of living that can enhance take-home pay when compared to more expensive regions. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers tend to offer the most competitive wages. The divergence in salaries, ranging from entry-level to experienced positions, is influenced by factors including additional modality certifications, shift differentials, and stipends for lead roles or on-call duties. To maximize pay in this market, aspiring technologists should consider cross-training in high-demand modalities and seek positions at facilities known for higher compensation. Understanding these dynamics will help professionals navigate their careers effectively, harnessing opportunities for growth and advancement.
More salary data for Waterloo, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Waterloo?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,370 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Waterloo metropolitan area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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