Bay City vs Grand Rapids: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Bay City, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bay City, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,439 | $99,859▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.33 | $48.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,278 | $83,170▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,838 | $86,288▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,902▲ | $102,388 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,165▲ | $109,820 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bay City.
The salary gap between Bay City and Grand Rapids is $1,420 (1.44%). Grand Rapids's median is -6.15% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bay City spans $45,887,Grand Rapids spans $26,650. Bay City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bay City ($105,621 effective) pays 1.06% more than Grand Rapids ($104,514 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bay City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,165)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,621)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,859/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Bay City grew 12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Bay City, MI
$83,268 (2024) → $93,787 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$71,900 (2019) → $95,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bay City, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Bay City or Grand Rapids?
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Should I relocate from Bay City to Grand Rapids as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov