Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Des Moines, WA: $99,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Des Moines, WA earns a median $99,403/year (≈ $47.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $92,554 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, radiologic technologists and technicians in Des Moines, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $99,403, reflecting the growing importance of this role in healthcare. The salary range for positions in the city varies significantly, from $70,974 at the bottom 10% to $143,399 at the top 90%. These estimates are reflective of local economic conditions, incorporating adjustments for the cost of living, which slightly exceeds the national average. The disparity in pay often arises from differences in employment settings—those working in hospital imaging departments typically earn more compared to their counterparts in outpatient imaging chains. This trend highlights the need for professionals in Des Moines to consider their work environment carefully, as it can dramatically influence overall compensation.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,974 | $34.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,737 | $38.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,403 | $47.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,466 | $58.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,399 | $68.94 |
Median Salary Position
17.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,425 (2026 est.). At $99,403, the local median is 17.85% above the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $99,403/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $100,306 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | +17.85% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,403 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,554 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,311
2025 BLS Actual
$94,409
2026 Current Est.
$99,403
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,311 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,949 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,324 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,767 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,513 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,409 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,662 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $71,311 (2019) to $94,409 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,662 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,351 (46.77%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,974 – $80,737 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,737 – $99,403 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,403 – $121,466 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,466 – $143,399 |
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 Des Moines
Currently, the local job market employs 7 radiologic technologists and technicians, emphasizing a relatively small workforce within Des Moines. The city's cost of living index sits at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries are higher than the national median of $84,348, purchasing power remains a crucial aspect for consideration. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments tend to offer the most competitive pay, often enhanced by factors such as shift differentials, call coverage, and lead or supervisory stipends. Modality cross-training plays a significant role in attracting higher wages, as practitioners skilled in CT, MRI, and mammography command better salaries. For those in Des Moines, the best strategy to maximize earnings involves pursuing additional certifications, gaining experience in multiple modalities, and seeking out opportunities within leading healthcare institutions to expand their professional value.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Des Moines, WA in 2026?
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Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Des Moines?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologic technologist and technician salary in Des Moines?
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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
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 $94,409 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the 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 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