Des Moines vs Waterloo: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $468,714▲ | $443,510 |
| Hourly Rate | $225.34▲ | $213.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $271,854▲ | $257,235 |
| 25th Percentile | $337,474▲ | $319,327 |
| 75th Percentile | $586,476▲ | $533,306 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $706,869▲ | $623,242 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waterloo is $25,204 (5.68%). Des Moines's median is +6.07% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $435,015,Waterloo spans $366,007. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($518,489 effective) pays 5.68% more than Waterloo ($490,608 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($468,714/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($706,869)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $518,489)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Des Moines grew 33.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.4% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$334,734 (2024) → $446,394 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$316,734 (2024) → $422,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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