Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Ankeny, IA: $100,647 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Ankeny, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,647/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Ankeny's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $111,335 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians in Ankeny, Iowa, reflect a notable tiering based on experience, with top earners in 2026 earning an impressive $100,647, and those in the 75th percentile garnering $83,888. This distribution shows a substantial gap compared to the median annual salary of $66,869 for all technologists in the region. The ability to reach this upper echelon of pay often hinges on both tenure—typically over seven years in the field—and specialized credentials, which enhance overall marketability. In Ankeny, individuals committed to advancing their careers through continuous learning and advanced certifications will find themselves better positioned for these lucrative opportunities.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ankeny
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Ankeny earn between $83,888 and $100,647 per year (2026 est.). This $52,965 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ankeny median of $66,869 sits 20.72% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Ankeny | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,869 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,888 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,647 | $124,937 |
In Ankeny, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 50.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay in Ankeny
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $66,869 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ankeny employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Ankeny command premium compensation, often reaching the $83,888–$100,647 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ankeny metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologic technologists and technicians in Ankeny with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in Ankeny
Clinical Radiologic Technologist and Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologic Technologist and Technician
5-10 yearsRadiologic Technologist and Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAnkeny ranks #3 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $100,647).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Ankeny ($100,647) is 10.64% above the Iowa average P90 ($90,967).
2019 BLS Actual
$72,309
2025 BLS Actual
$95,590
2026 Current Est.
$100,647
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,309 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,433 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,898 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,475 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,037 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,647 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,971 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Ankeny saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $72,309 in 2019 to $95,590 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.29% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $105,971 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny 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.
Maximizing Your Radiologic Technologist and Technician Earnings in Ankeny
Compensation for seasoned radiologic technologists and technicians is heavily influenced by specialization. Qualifications in areas such as CT (ARRT-CT), MRI (ARRT-MR), and mammography (ARRT-M) can significantly elevate senior radiologic technologist and technician pay in IA, making these modalities highly sought after in local hospitals and outpatient centers. Additionally, the type of employer can impact earnings considerably; those in hospital settings often receive higher salaries than their counterparts in mobile X-ray companies or orthopedic surgery practices. Career advancement is achievable through various pathways, including roles such as imaging department manager or modality supervisor, all of which can further enhance compensation. Emphasizing advanced credentials, like an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, is pivotal for those aspiring to optimize their earnings. Furthermore, non-salary benefits, such as shift differentials and trauma center stipends, play an integral role in creating competitive total compensation packages, making these roles not only vital for healthcare but also financially rewarding.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Ankeny in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Ankeny?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Ankeny?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Ankeny?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Ankeny?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $95,590 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Ankeny metro area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ankeny 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