Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $70,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $70,298/year (≈ $33.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $77,763 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The projected annual compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians in West Des Moines, IA, is pegged at $70,298 for 2026, which reflects a competitive position within the local job market despite being about 16.66% lower than the national median of $84,348. The salary range spans from $50,738 at the 10th percentile to $104,009 at the 90th percentile, indicating that pay can vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and the employing facility. This forecast derives from state-level BLS data and regional price adjustments, which account for the local cost of living and employment standards. As a city with specific healthcare facilities, including those designated as trauma centers, these factors considerably enhance compensation packages through shift differentials and specialty training opportunities.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,738 | $24.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,018 | $26.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,298 | $33.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,111 | $41.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,009 | $50.00 |
Median Salary Position
16.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,271 (2026 est.). At $70,298, the local median is 16.66% below the national median of $84,348.
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At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $70,298/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $68,785 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | -16.66% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A radiologic technologist and technician earning $70,298 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,763 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,431
2025 BLS Actual
$66,766
2026 Current Est.
$70,298
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,431 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,589 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,148 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,182 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,421 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,766 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,017 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $50,431 (2019) to $66,766 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,017 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,586 (46.77%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,738 – $56,018 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,018 – $70,298 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,298 – $87,111 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,111 – $104,009 |
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 West Des Moines
With only 16 radiologic technologists and technicians currently employed within West Des Moines, the local job market remains relatively concentrated but stable. The cost-of-living index stands at 90.4, suggesting that residents enjoy a relatively lower cost of living compared to the national average, which positively impacts overall purchasing power. Facilities like hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers typically offer the highest salaries, particularly for professionals who are cross-trained in modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography. Variations in salary, ranging from entry-level to experienced roles, are often driven by factors such as modality cross-training, call coverage, shift differentials, and the necessity for specialized skill sets. For those in the market, pursuing additional certifications and seeking opportunities in trauma centers could significantly boost income potential. To maximize pay in West Des Moines, engaging with agencies like the ASRT and obtaining ARRT registration, along with gaining diverse modalities, can enhance a radiologic technologist and technician's salary prospects.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $66,766 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the West Des Moines 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
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