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Radiologic Technologist in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Iowa employs 2,550 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $65,930 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.

What Radiologic technologists Earn in Iowa (May 2025)

Iowa median pay: $65,930 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $54,360
Experienced (75th percentile): $79,390
Top earners (90th percentile): $86,520
Employed in Iowa: 2,550
U.S. median (for comparison): $77,660 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Iowa markets:

Omaha: $76,600 (830 employed)
Des Moines: $67,640 (560 employed)
Iowa City: $65,820 (240 employed)
Cedar Rapids: $64,880 (230 employed)
Davenport: $64,580 (280 employed)
Waterloo: $64,370 (150 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa

Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $65,930 median stretches to roughly $75,091 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)

Iowa is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +8.7%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 170 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Iowa License and Certification Requirements

Permit to Practice Radiography (state-required) + ARRT — regulated by the Iowa Dept. of Health & Human Services — Bureau of Radiological Health (Permit to Practice).

Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate).
Pass the ARRT exam.
Obtain an Iowa Permit to Practice from the Bureau of Radiological Health — Iowa regulates who operates radiographic equipment.

Official requirements: Iowa Dept. of Health & Human Services — Bureau of Radiological Health (Permit to Practice) →

Training in Iowa

Iowa requires a state permit to practice in addition to ARRT. Community-college radiography programs are the affordable route.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:

Allen College — Certificate / Associate / Bachelor's
Briar Cliff University — Bachelor's
Buena Vista University — Bachelor's
Central College — Bachelor's

Where Radiologic technologists Work in Iowa

Real Iowa hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:

VA Hosp — Knoxville
University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center — Iowa City
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi — Des Moines
Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center — Des Moines
St Lukes Hospital — Cedar Rapids
Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center — Dubuque

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want healthcare without becoming a nurse or physician.

Think twice if: You dislike hospitals, patient contact, standing, or precise technical routines.

Why it's resilient: Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.

First Steps

Find accredited radiography programs and compare clinical placement requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do radiologic technologists make in Iowa?

The median wage for radiologic technologists in Iowa is $65,930 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $54,360, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $86,520. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Iowa?

Permit to Practice Radiography (state-required) + ARRT, overseen by the Iowa Dept. of Health & Human Services — Bureau of Radiological Health (Permit to Practice). Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate).

Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Iowa?

Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.

Which Iowa metros pay radiologic technologists the most?

Among Iowa metro areas, Omaha leads at $76,600, followed by Des Moines ($67,640), Iowa City ($65,820). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Radiologic Technologist in Iowa?

Real Iowa options include Allen College, Briar Cliff University, Buena Vista University. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in Iowa?

Iowa projects radiologic technologists employment to change +8.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 170 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the Iowa Dept. of Health & Human Services — Bureau of Radiological Health (Permit to Practice) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Iowa wages · Iowa licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.