Radiology Technologist in Iowa

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$64,350

trending_down -17.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.

engineering

2,480

Jobs (IA)

monitoring Strong

+4.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$325

Licensing fees

schedule

2 years (education program) + 2-3 weeks (application processing)

Time to complete

route How to become a radiology technologist in Iowa

To become a licensed General Radiologic Technologist in Iowa, individuals must complete an accredited radiologic technology program, which typically takes two years. After completing the educational prerequisite, applicants must pass the ARRT Radiography Examination. The licensing body is the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Radiological Health, and the application fee is $100. Licenses must be renewed annually, requiring 24 hours of continuing education every two years. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background investigation.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $51,800

25th percentile $59,020

50th (median) $64,350

75th percentile $76,460

90th (experienced) $83,390

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Iowa. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Iowa requirements

Licensing body	Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Radiological Health
State license	Required
Education	Completion of an accredited radiologic technology program
Exam	ARRT Radiography Examination ($225)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18. Requires a background investigation. General radiologic technologists must complete a two-year, full-time program. Limited radiographers complete a 3-4 month course. Renewal fee is $75. Reinstatement fee is $150. There is no specified reciprocity, but ARRT certification is generally recognized.

Source: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Radiological Health

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.3%

Faster than average

Annual openings

12,900

Nationwide per year

Total employment

228,000

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.56/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleIowa license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a radiology technologist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a radiology technologist in Iowa? expand_more

The path to radiology technologist licensure in Iowa: complete the required education (Completion of an accredited radiologic technology program), pass the ARRT Radiography Examination, and submit your application ($100 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a radiology technologist in Iowa? expand_more

A state license is required in Iowa. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Radiological Health handles radiology technologist licensing — the ARRT Radiography Examination is part of the process.

What do radiology technologists earn in Iowa? expand_more

The median radiology technologist salary in Iowa is $64,350 per year. That's 17% below the national median of $77,660. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $51,800, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $83,390.

What are the fees to become a radiology technologist in Iowa? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($225) and application fee ($100) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a radiology technologist in Iowa? expand_more

The typical timeline in Iowa is 2 years (education program) + 2-3 weeks (application processing). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What's required to renew a radiology technologist license in Iowa? expand_more

License renewal in Iowa requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 1.0-year cycle.