Senior Radiologist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $650,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Cedar Rapids, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $650,830/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Cedar Rapids's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $719,945 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Securing a position as a senior radiologist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, presents remarkable earning potential, with the projected median annual salary hitting $453,132 in 2026. For those at the pinnacle of their profession, the earning range extends to an impressive $650,830 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a substantial pay differential when stacked against the median salary. Experienced radiologists often enjoy this "experience premium," where specialized skills and years in practice can significantly increase their compensation, especially when it comes to attaining exclusive roles in high-demand sectors. To reach these upper echelons in Cedar Rapids, practitioners must focus on continuous professional development, possibly obtaining advanced credentials, staying abreast of evolving technologies in radiology, and diversifying their expertise beyond traditional imaging techniques.
About the Cedar Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Cedar Rapids earn between $551,089 and $650,830 per year (2026 est.). This $388,014 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar Rapids median of $453,132 sits 2.54% above the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar Rapids | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $453,132 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $551,089 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $650,830 | $624,131 |
In Cedar Rapids, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 43.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Cedar Rapids
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $453,132 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar Rapids employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Cedar Rapids command premium compensation, often reaching the $551,089–$650,830 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar Rapids metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists in Cedar Rapids with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Radiologists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Cedar Rapids
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCedar Rapids ranks #5 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $650,830).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Cedar Rapids ($650,830) is 2.82% above the Iowa average P90 ($632,987).
2021 BLS Actual
$509,942
2025 BLS Actual
$619,838
2026 Current Est.
$650,830
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Cedar Rapids (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $509,942 | Actual |
| 2022 | $535,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $562,211 | Actual |
| 2024 | $418,988 | Actual |
| 2025 | $619,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $650,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $683,371 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $509,942 in 2021 to $619,838 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.00% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $683,371 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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.
Maximizing Your Radiologist Earnings in Cedar Rapids
In Cedar Rapids, several subspecialties command premium pay, with interventional radiology and neuroradiology typically sitting at the top of the spectrum. Alongside these specialties, senior radiologists specializing in breast imaging or musculoskeletal radiology also see enhanced compensation reflective of their expertise. Salary variations exist between employer types; for instance, radiologists in private group practices may achieve higher earnings through equity in partnerships, aiming for $500,000 or more, while those employed in hospital settings tend to earn slightly less, typically ranging between $400,000 and $550,000. Career advancement paths are robust, offering opportunities like becoming a radiology group partner or a department chair, roles that integrate leadership responsibilities alongside patient care. Moreover, factors such as RVU productivity models, income from teleradiology positions, and the dichotomy of W-2 vs. partnership employment further influence compensation, making the field continually adaptable to market demands in Cedar Rapids and beyond.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Cedar Rapids?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Cedar Rapids?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Cedar Rapids?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Cedar Rapids?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $619,838 for radiologists in the Cedar Rapids metro area. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Rapids 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