isworthit

Is Radiologic Technology a Good Career in Iowa?

Iowa · 2026 BLS salary data

Radiologic Technology pay in Iowa

The median wage is $65,930/yr — 18% below the national median. Among U.S. states, Iowaranks #45 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Iowa

Real BLS state-level figures for Radiologic Technology.

Median salary
$65,930/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$61,730 – $79,390
National median
$80,110/yr
Employed in Iowa
2,550

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Iowa

Salary alone can mislead — Iowa costs 12% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
87.8
Nominal median
$65,930
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $75,091
State income tax
Up to 3.8%

Because Iowa costs 12% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #43 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #45 on raw salary.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions; some localities also levy income tax.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Radiologic Technology nationally — Iowa pay is 18% below the national median. See the full Radiologic Technology career guide →

The verdict

Yes — radiologic technology offers solid pay from a two-year degree with stable demand, making it one of the better pay-to-education ratios in health care. The trade-offs are shift work and radiation-safety routines.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Good pay for a two-year associate degree
  • Stable, steady demand in health care
  • Clean clinical environment
  • Room to specialize (CT, MRI) for higher pay
  • Clear certification pathway

Cons

  • Shift work, including nights and weekends
  • Radiation-safety protocols and monitoring
  • On-your-feet, physically active days
  • Fairly flat ceiling without specialization

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People wanting solid pay without a four-year degree
  • Those comfortable in clinical settings
  • Anyone open to specializing in CT/MRI

✗ Probably not if…

  • People who want a desk job
  • Those seeking a steep career ladder

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Radiologic Technology is worth it — titles link to the original threads.