Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $91,373 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Des Moines, IA earns a median $91,373/year (≈ $43.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $99,642 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, IA, the growing demand for healthcare professionals is reflected in the ultrasound technologist salary of $91,373, offering a competitive wage compared to the national median of $101,352. The salary range for ultrasound technologists in the city extends from $81,961 at the 10th percentile to as high as $106,609 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a dynamic market for those in the field. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, suggests that while the local employment of 170 ultrasound technologists indicates a stable market, salaries are somewhat lower than the national average. Local healthcare systems, including large organizations and specialty clinics, are crucial players in setting these compensation levels, making it essential for professionals to understand market conditions and employer types in the area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,961 | $39.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,449 | $42.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,373 | $43.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,503 | $49.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,609 | $51.25 |
Median Salary Position
9.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,648 (2026 est.). At $91,373, the local median is 9.85% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $91,373/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $86,939 | +5.10% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -9.85% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $91,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.85% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.10% above the Iowa state average of $86,939.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% 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 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $91,373 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,642 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,470
2025 BLS Actual
$87,080
2026 Current Est.
$91,373
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,373 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,878 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 13.9% from $76,470 (2019) to $87,080 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,878 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,408 (25.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-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) | $81,961 – $87,449 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,449 – $91,373 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,373 – $103,503 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,503 – $106,609 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Des Moines
For ultrasound technologists in Des Moines, the cost of living index stands at 91.701, suggesting a slightly decreased expense compared to the national average, which enhances purchasing power. With 170 professionals currently employed in this capacity, job opportunities remain relatively stable, but compensation can vary significantly based on the employer type. Large healthcare organizations typically offer higher salaries compared to community health centers or private practices, reflecting variances in budget and resources. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and benefits packages contribute to the spread in pay scales. To maximize earnings, ultrasound technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking opportunities at larger healthcare institutions, which often offer more comprehensive compensation packages. Understanding these local dynamics is critical for anyone assessing how much do ultrasound technologists make in Des Moines, ensuring informed career decisions in this evolving field.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
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 $87,080 for ultrasound technologistsin the Des Moines metropolitan area. A 4.93% 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov