Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $271,854 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $271,854 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $300,723 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($468,714) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the radiology field can expect an entry-level radiologist salary in Des Moines, Iowa to start at around $271,854. This figure is substantially lower than the city's median annual salary of $468,714, indicating that early-career professionals may encounter a significant growth trajectory in their earnings over the first few years. As they gain experience, they could see their compensation increase to approximately $337,474 within the first three to five years, before potentially reaching the city median, which reflects a healthy growth rate of 5.00% annually according to projections. For new graduates in Iowa, the current market conditions appear favorable, as Des Moines offers competitive salaries while maintaining a relatively low cost of living index of 90.4, making it an attractive option for young professionals.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level radiologists in Des Moines, IA typically start between $271,854 and $337,474 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $435,015 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $468,714 — 6.07% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Iowa of $240,000 represents just 88.28% of the starting radiologist pay ($271,854/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $271,854 to $337,474, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $435,015 ( 160.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $271,854, experienced hygienists can earn up to $706,869.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$229,152
2025 BLS Actual
$258,909
2026 Current Est.
$271,854
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Des Moines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $229,152 | Actual |
| 2022 | $225,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $232,003 | Actual |
| 2024 | $194,146 | Actual |
| 2025 | $258,909 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $271,854 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $285,447 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $229,152 in 2021 to $258,909 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $285,447. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
In Des Moines, various employers actively recruit new graduate radiologists, particularly within academic medical centers, where the depth of subspecialty training and fellowship opportunities are prevalent. Large private partnerships, prioritizing residency hires, often provide a clear pathway to partnership within a couple of years, while teleradiology firms frequently look for fellowship-trained radiologists interested in a remote-first work model. Securing credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and obtaining ABR board certification is essential to maximizing starting salaries. In the first three years, promising young radiologists should anticipate salary growth reflecting regional opportunities and the evolving nature of radiology employment in Iowa. The divide between private practice—which typically offers higher salaries when reaching the partner level—and W-2 hospital employment can influence career decisions. Overall, salary trajectories will depend on the professional choices made during these formative years, especially with the recent private equity shifts affecting the partnership landscape in the field.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in Des Moines?
Is radiology school worth it in Des Moines?
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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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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