Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $258,282 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the West Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $258,282 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out West Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $285,710 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($445,314) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Considering a career as a radiologist in West Des Moines, IA? The entry-level radiologist salary in this area is expected to start around $258,282 in 2026, which falls significantly below the city's median annual salary of $445,314. This gap presents realistic expectations for new graduates entering the field. However, as early-career radiologists gain experience, they can anticipate a growth trajectory that moves them from the P10 figure through the P25 at $320,626, eventually approaching the median within the first three to five years. Given the anticipated growth rate of 5.00% annually, West Des Moines offers a promising market for aspiring radiologists looking to establish their practice and improve their earning potential.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in West 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 West Des Moines
Entry-level radiologists in West Des Moines, IA typically start between $258,282 and $320,626 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $369,918 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $445,314 — 0.77% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Iowa of $240,000 represents just 92.92% of the starting radiologist pay ($258,282/year) in West 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 West Des Moines
- 1Research the West Des Moines market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $258,282 to $320,626, 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 West 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 West Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5West Des 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 West Des Moines is $369,918 ( 143.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $258,282, experienced hygienists can earn up to $628,200.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$217,712
2025 BLS Actual
$245,983
2026 Current Est.
$258,282
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in West Des Moines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $217,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $214,368 | Actual |
| 2023 | $220,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $245,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $258,282 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $271,196 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in West Des Moines, IA grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $217,712 in 2021 to $245,983 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $271,196. New graduates entering the West Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West 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 West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, several employers actively seek out new grad radiologists, including academic medical centers and large private practices. These institutions often provide residency-to-partnership tracks and valuable fellowship opportunities, which can enhance a radiologist's skills and earning potential. Radiologists typically require either an MD or DO degree, along with completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency and ABR board certification for optimal employability. Adding subspecialty fellowships can also increase starting pay in Iowa. New professionals should consider early career strategies aligned with industry trends; for instance, positions in private partnerships generally lead to higher long-term earnings compared to W-2 employment in hospitals. The impact of private equity on radiology practice configurations since 2018 has further influenced partnership opportunities, establishing a dynamic environment for new graduates to navigate.
More salary data for West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for West 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