Radiologist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $468,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Des Moines, IA earns a median $468,714/year (≈ $225.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $518,489 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a radiologist in Des Moines, Iowa, reaches an impressive $468,714, reflecting a notable increase compared to the national median of $441,903. This figure is indicative of a competitive healthcare environment, shaped by the structural divide between private radiology partnerships and hospital-employed positions. The full salary spectrum ranges from $271,854 at the 10th percentile to up to $706,869 for those at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic factors, positioning Des Moines favorably within regional pay comparisons. In this market, radiologists need to stay attuned to evolving compensation models and the implications of practice structure to maximize their earning potential.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $271,854 | $130.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $337,474 | $162.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $468,714 | $225.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $586,476 | $281.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $706,869 | $339.84 |
Median Salary Position
6.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $435,015 (2026 est.). At $468,714, the local median is 6.07% above the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Radiologist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $468,714/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $455,504 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +6.07% more |
Radiologists in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $468,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.07% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 2.90% above the Iowa state average of $455,504.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A radiologist earning $468,714 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $518,489 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$367,249
2025 BLS Actual
$446,394
2026 Current Est.
$468,714
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
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 | $367,249 | Actual |
| 2022 | $385,612 | Actual |
| 2023 | $404,893 | Actual |
| 2024 | $334,734 | Actual |
| 2025 | $446,394 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $468,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $492,149 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $367,249 (2021) to $446,394 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $492,149 by 2027 — a total increase of $124,900 (34.01%) from 2021.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $271,854 – $337,474 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $337,474 – $468,714 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $468,714 – $586,476 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $586,476 – $706,869 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Des Moines
With 44 radiologists currently employed in the area, the local job market demonstrates a steady demand for professionals in the field. The cost of living index in Des Moines at 90.4 suggests that take-home purchasing power remains quite favorable, especially when compared to other regions. Typically, salaries vary significantly based on the type of employer. Radiologists working in private group practices often see higher compensation than those employed in hospital W-2 arrangements, with academic centers and the VA system generally offering competitive, if lower, pay scales. Factors influencing pay disparities include RVU productivity, subspecialty revenue such as interventional radiology, and the specifics of partnership equity stakes. For those seeking to boost radiologist pay in Des Moines, pursuing advanced subspecialty training, actively engaging in teleradiology opportunities, or considering partnership tracks could be beneficial strategies to enhance earnings in this dynamic market.
More salary data for 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $446,394 for radiologistsin the Des Moines metropolitan area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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