Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Urbandale, IA: $252,531 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Urbandale, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $252,531 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Urbandale's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $279,348 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($435,398) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the field as a radiologist in Urbandale, Iowa, new graduates can anticipate a starting salary around $252,531 in 2026. This entry-level figure is notably lower than the city’s projected median annual salary of $435,398, highlighting the significant income growth potential as early-career professionals build their experience. Over the first few years, beginners can expect wages to rise, with projections showing a pathway upward through the $313,487 threshold and towards the median salary. Given the competitive landscape and the 5.00% annual growth rate, Urbandale presents a promising market for those just starting their careers, especially when compared to national trends where the median is slightly higher at $441,903.
About the Urbandale Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Urbandale
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 Urbandale
Entry-level radiologists in Urbandale, IA typically start between $252,531 and $313,487 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $341,498 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $435,398 — 1.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Iowa of $240,000 represents just 95.04% of the starting radiologist pay ($252,531/year) in Urbandale. 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 Urbandale
- 1Research the Urbandale market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $252,531 to $313,487, 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 Urbandale, 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 Urbandale for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Urbandale'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 Urbandale is $341,498 ( 135.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $252,531, experienced hygienists can earn up to $594,029.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$212,864
2025 BLS Actual
$240,506
2026 Current Est.
$252,531
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Urbandale (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $212,864 | Actual |
| 2022 | $209,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $215,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $180,346 | Actual |
| 2025 | $240,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $252,531 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $265,158 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Urbandale, IA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $212,864 in 2021 to $240,506 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $265,158. New graduates entering the Urbandale job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbandale 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 Urbandale
Employment opportunities for entry-level radiologists in Urbandale can be gained through various local healthcare institutions that favor recent graduates. Academic medical centers in the area often cultivate a thorough foundation in subspecialty areas and provide pathways into fellowship programs, while larger private practices typically look to integrate residency graduates swiftly into their teams, establishing a timeline of 2-3 years for partnership potential. Additionally, teleradiology companies may offer a unique appeal for graduates interested in remote work arrangements, particularly for those with fellowship training. To maximize starting pay, professionals should focus on obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a diagnostic radiology residency, and attaining ABR board certification. In the first three years, realistic salary growth for new graduates can be expected as they build their RVU productivity and navigate the dichotomy between private partnerships and W-2 hospital employment, where earnings can vary widely based on the structure of their career path and the partnership tracks influenced by recent private equity movements in radiology.
More salary data for Urbandale, 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 Urbandale. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Urbandale 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