Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $453,132▲ | $445,314 |
| Hourly Rate | $217.85▲ | $214.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $262,816▲ | $258,282 |
| 25th Percentile | $326,255▲ | $320,626 |
| 75th Percentile | $551,089▲ | $538,298 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $650,830▲ | $628,200 |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines is $7,818 (1.76%). Cedar Rapids's median is +2.54% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $388,014,West Des Moines spans $369,918. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($501,252 effective) pays 1.76% more than West Des Moines ($492,604 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($453,132/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($650,830)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $501,252)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 33.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.4% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$323,606 (2024) → $431,554 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$318,023 (2024) → $424,109 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Cedar Rapids or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to West Des Moines as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines?
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov