Ultrasound Technologist Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $90,193 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $90,193/year (≈ $43.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $99,771 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Ultrasound technologists in West Des Moines, IA, can expect a median annual salary of $90,193 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $101,352. The local salary range for this profession spans from $65,401 at the 10th percentile to $120,650 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlighting the purchasing power difference in this market. Given the cost of living index of 90.4, which is below the national average, ultrasound technologists in West Des Moines enjoy a favorable cost-to-salary ratio that can enhance their overall financial well-being.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,401 | $31.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,007 | $35.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,193 | $43.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,433 | $48.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,650 | $58.01 |
Median Salary Position
11.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,249 (2026 est.). At $90,193, the local median is 11.01% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $90,193/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $86,975 | +3.70% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -11.01% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $90,193 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.01% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.70% above the Iowa state average of $86,975.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines 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.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $90,193 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,771 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,137
2025 BLS Actual
$85,955
2026 Current Est.
$90,193
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,137 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,561 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,393 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,169 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,138 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,955 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,193 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,639 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $66,137 (2019) to $85,955 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,639 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,502 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West 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) | $65,401 – $74,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,007 – $90,193 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,193 – $100,433 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,433 – $120,650 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in West Des Moines
With only 16 ultrasound technologists currently employed in West Des Moines, the job market is relatively small but stable, suggesting a steady demand for skilled professionals. The lower cost of living contributes positively to take-home purchasing power, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle than might be found in higher-cost areas. Employers in large healthcare organizations tend to offer the most competitive ultrasound technologist pay in West Des Moines, while private practices and community health centers may provide fewer financial incentives. Factors like shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the benefits structure of different employers create variability in salaries. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in larger healthcare settings that may offer enhanced compensation and benefits.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in West Des Moines?
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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 $85,955 for ultrasound technologistsin the West 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
Salary data for West Des Moines 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 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