Radiologist Salary in Dubuque, IA: $461,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Dubuque, IA earns a median $461,122/year (≈ $221.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Dubuque's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $510,091 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, a radiologist's median annual salary in Dubuque, Iowa, is projected to be $461,122, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $441,903. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $267,451 and top earners making up to $653,230. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, painting a clear picture of the compensation landscape within this city. Given the subspecialty mix prevalent in Dubuque, including interventional radiology, general diagnostic radiology, and breast imaging, the diverse earning potential showcases how subspecialization can influence income. This dynamic suggests a robust job market for radiologists in Dubuque, considering the balance between demand and compensation across various specializations.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $267,451 | $128.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $332,008 | $159.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $461,122 | $221.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $558,690 | $268.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $653,230 | $314.06 |
Median Salary Position
4.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dubuque
In Dubuque, IA, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $385,779 (2026 est.). At $461,122, the local median is 4.35% above the national median of $441,903.
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At 40 hours/week in Dubuque: You'd be above the median
How Dubuque Radiologist Pay Compares
Dubuque median: $461,122/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dubuque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $455,654 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $441,903 | +4.35% more |
Radiologists in Dubuque, IA earn a median of $461,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% higher than the national median of $441,903 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $455,654.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dubuque 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.
Dubuque, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A radiologist earning $461,122 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $510,091 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$361,301
2025 BLS Actual
$439,164
2026 Current Est.
$461,122
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Dubuque (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $361,301 | Actual |
| 2022 | $379,366 | Actual |
| 2023 | $398,335 | Actual |
| 2024 | $329,312 | Actual |
| 2025 | $439,164 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $461,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $484,178 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dubuque metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $361,301 (2021) to $439,164 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $484,178 by 2027 — a total increase of $122,877 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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) | $267,451 – $332,008 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $332,008 – $461,122 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $461,122 – $558,690 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $558,690 – $653,230 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Dubuque
The job market for radiologists in Dubuque is home to twelve professionals, providing a concentrated opportunity landscape for both new and experienced radiologists. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, physicians in the area find their take-home purchasing power positively impacted compared to national averages. Among local employers, private radiology group practices and hospital-employed radiology departments tend to offer the most competitive pay. Factors contributing to the disparity between lower and higher salaries often hinge on RVU productivity, subspecialty focus—such as the premium salaries associated with interventional radiology—and the distinction between partnership equity stakes and W-2 employment contracts. Maximizing pay in this market could involve pursuing lucrative partnerships in private practices or exploring teleradiology opportunities that supplement income from traditional roles, especially during off-hours. These strategic choices will be crucial for radiologists aiming to elevate their earning potential in Dubuque, IA.
More salary data for Dubuque, 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 $439,164 for radiologistsin the Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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