Radiography Tech Salary

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.

$70,298
Median Annual Salary
$33.80/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$50,738
Entry Level (P10)
$104,009
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in West Des Moines, IA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
West Des Moines, IA radiologic technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileAnnualHourly
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

$50,738$104,009
City Median: $70,298
National: $84,348
P10–P90 Range

16.66% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in West Des Moines. The median salary is $70,298, compared to the national median of $84,348.$45.7K$61.6K$77.4K$93.3K$109.2K$50.7K10th Pctl$56.0K25th Pctl$70.3KMedian$87.1K75th Pctl$104.0K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the West Des Moines metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,352
per week
$5,858
per month
$70,300
per year

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 ToMedian SalaryWest Des Moines Pays
Iowa Average$68,785+2.20% more
National Average$84,348-16.66% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing radiologic technologist and technician median salary in West Des Moines ($70,298) with Iowa average ($68,785) and the US national median ($84,348).West Des Moines$70,298Iowa Avg$68,785+2.20%US National$84,348-16.66%

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

$70,298
Nominal Salary
90.4
CoL Index
$77,763
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.

The nominal salary is $70,298. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 90.4, the purchasing-power equivalent is $77,763, a gain of $7,465.$59.8K$69.1K$78.4K$87.7K$97.0K$70,298NominalSalary$77,763CoL Adjusted(CoL: 90.4) 10.62%US Median $84.3K

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in West Des Moines. Baseline $50,431 in 2025, projected to $74,017 by 2027.$45.7K$54.0K$62.2K$70.5K$78.7K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$50.4K$51.6K$51.1K$54.3K$61.2K$57.4K$66.8K$70.3K$74.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$50,431Actual
2020$51,589Actual
2021$51,148Actual
2022$54,290Actual
2023$61,182Actual
2024$57,421Actual
2025$66,766Actual
2026(current)$70,298Estimated
2027$74,017Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in West Des Moines, IA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median radiologic technologist and technician salary in West Des Moines is $70,298/year ($33.80/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). Salaries range from $50,738 at entry level (10th percentile) to $104,009 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts West Des Moines at 16.7% below the national median. Full-time radiologic technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is West Des Moines, IA a good place to work as a radiologic technologist and technician?

West Des Moines radiologic technologist and technician salaries are 16.7% below the national average and 2.2% above the Iowa state average. The metro area employs approximately 16 radiologic technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in West Des Moines?

The median radiologic technologist and technician salary in West Des Moines is $70,298, and the 90th percentile earns $104,009. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologic technologist and technician salary in West Des Moines?

After adjusting for West Des Moines's cost-of-living index of 90.4 (where 100 equals the national average), the $70,298 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $77,763 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 10.6% further in West Des Moines compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for radiologic technologists and technicians seeking strong real wages.

How much does a radiologic technologist and technician make per hour in West Des Moines?

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in West Des Moines earn a median hourly rate of $33.80, which translates to approximately $70,298/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $24.40 for entry-level positions to $50.00 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem radiologic technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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