Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $87,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Cedar Rapids, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,454/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Cedar Rapids's price premium (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,304 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, senior radiologic technologists and technicians are positioned for significant earning potential, with the top radiologic technologist and technician salary reaching an impressive $87,454 in 2026. This figure not only highlights the lucrative opportunities available for those with considerable experience but also underscores the substantial gap between the median annual salary of $68,312 and the compensation for top earners. To achieve such pay levels, professionals must not only possess extensive clinical experience but also consider continuing education and specialization as essential components of their career advancement strategy. By obtaining advanced credentials in modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography, experienced radiologic technologists enhance their marketability, ensuring they can compete with national averages and effectively capitalize on their skills within the local job market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Cedar Rapids earn between $84,369 and $87,454 per year (2026 est.). This $31,398 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar Rapids median of $68,312 sits 19.01% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar Rapids | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,312 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,369 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,454 | $124,937 |
In Cedar Rapids, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 28.02% 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 Cedar Rapids
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $68,312 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar Rapids employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Cedar Rapids command premium compensation, often reaching the $84,369–$87,454 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids
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
AdvancedCedar Rapids ranks #20 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $87,454).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Cedar Rapids ($87,454) is 3.86% below the Iowa average P90 ($90,967).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,850
2025 BLS Actual
$83,060
2026 Current Est.
$87,454
2019–2027 Growth
+21.4%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,080 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids saw their compensation grow 9.5% from $75,850 in 2019 to $83,060 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 $92,080 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids
Looking at the landscape of senior radiologic technologist and technician pay in IA, specialized skill sets significantly influence earning potential. Specializations such as ARRT-CT, ARRT-MR, and ARRT-M command premium salaries in Cedar Rapids, and those who can perform in-demand procedures are often rewarded with higher compensation compared to their peers in general radiography roles. Additionally, differing employer types create varied pay scales; for instance, hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers often provide superior benefits for senior positions than smaller practices or mobile X-ray companies. Advancement opportunities, such as becoming a lead tech or imaging department manager, further elevate pay potential. Additionally, acquiring multiple ARRT modality certifications and participating in cross-training among modalities can also contribute to a favorable salary trajectory. Factors like shift differentials and leadership stipends play a critical role in overall compensation for seasoned professionals in Cedar Rapids.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Cedar Rapids?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Cedar Rapids?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Cedar Rapids?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Cedar Rapids?
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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 $83,060 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Cedar Rapids 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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