Cedar Rapids vs Dubuque: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,635 | $93,252▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.05 | $44.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,272 | $71,641▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,239 | $79,010▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,099 | $108,604▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,619 | $124,124▲ |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Dubuque, IA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque is $1,617 (1.76%). Dubuque's median is -12.36% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $55,347,Dubuque spans $52,483. Cedar Rapids 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, Dubuque ($103,155 effective) pays 1.76% more than Cedar Rapids ($101,366 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,124)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,155)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 15.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$75,508 (2024) → $87,305 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$76,840 (2024) → $88,845 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Cedar Rapids or Dubuque?
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Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Dubuque as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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