Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $262,816 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Cedar Rapids, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $262,816 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $290,726 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($453,132) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiology in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the starting pay can be quite encouraging, with entry-level positions typically offering a salary as low as $262,816. Although this is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $453,132 for radiologists in the area, it represents a solid starting point for early-career professionals. As new grads gain experience, they can realistically expect their compensation to grow, potentially reaching $326,255 within the first few years, leading to a more favorable trajectory toward the median. The 5.00% annual growth rate also indicates that Cedar Rapids is cultivating a positive environment for those beginning their careers in radiology.
About the Cedar Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar Rapids
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Entry-level radiologists in Cedar Rapids, IA typically start between $262,816 and $326,255 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $388,014 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $453,132 — 2.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Iowa of $240,000 represents just 91.32% of the starting radiologist pay ($262,816/year) in Cedar Rapids. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AAMC tuition reports for LCME-accredited MD programs and COCA-accredited DO programs plus ACGME-accredited diagnostic radiology residency data. Totals reflect 4 years of medical school tuition, fees, and living expenses. Residency is salaried but adds opportunity cost; subspecialty fellowships add 1-2 additional years.
MD, DO Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cedar Rapids
- 1Research the Cedar Rapids market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $262,816 to $326,255, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiology field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar Rapids, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cedar Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar Rapids's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in Cedar Rapids is $388,014 ( 147.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $262,816, experienced hygienists can earn up to $650,830.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$221,534
2025 BLS Actual
$250,301
2026 Current Est.
$262,816
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Cedar Rapids (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $221,534 | Actual |
| 2022 | $218,131 | Actual |
| 2023 | $224,289 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,691 | Actual |
| 2025 | $250,301 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $262,816 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $275,957 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar Rapids, IA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $221,534 in 2021 to $250,301 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $275,957. New graduates entering the Cedar Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) 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 5.00% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiology Career in Cedar Rapids
Several key employers in Cedar Rapids actively seek new graduates in radiology, providing diverse opportunities for recent MDs and DOs to begin their careers. Academic medical centers often offer exposure to a wide range of subspecialties and valuable fellowship opportunities, while larger private practices may hire residents directly and have notable partnership tracks. Teleradiology firms are also on the rise, appealing to those interested in remote work. To enhance their marketability and earning potential in Iowa, aspirants should focus on obtaining an ABR board certification and exploring fellowships. Realistic salary growth expectations within the first few years can be substantial, especially as radiology experiences a shift in its employment structures toward private partnerships and subspecialties. Adjusting early career plans based on the evolving nature of the field, including understanding productivity models and potential earnings, can help new grad radiologists maximize their long-term career success in Cedar Rapids.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiology graduates. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cedar Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Rapids 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 5.00%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologists (SOC 29-1224).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov