Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Columbus vs Gulfport: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Columbus, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbus, MS
$85,743
$41.22/hr
Gulfport, MS
$90,830
$43.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, MSGulfport, MS
Median Salary$85,743$90,830
Hourly Rate$41.22$43.66
Entry Level (P10)$66,995$67,189
25th Percentile$77,928$75,223
75th Percentile$94,742$104,014
Top Earner (P90)$103,825$124,069
Total Employed614
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($85,743) and Gulfport ($90,830) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.ColumbusGulfportMedian Salary$85,743$90,830Entry Level (P10)$66,995$67,189Top Earner (P90)$103,825$124,069US Median $106,398

Verdict

Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.

The salary gap between Columbus and Gulfport is $5,087 (5.93%). Gulfport's median is -14.63% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $36,830,Gulfport spans $56,880. Gulfport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$66,995
P25$77,928
Median$85,743
P75$94,742
P90 (Top)$103,825
Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$67,189
P25$75,223
Median$90,830
P75$104,014
P90 (Top)$124,069

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($105,986 effective) pays 5.93% more than Columbus ($100,050 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $85,743
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $100,050
Gulfport
Nominal: $90,830
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $105,986

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbus if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Gulfport if…

  • Higher median salary ($90,830/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($124,069)
  • Larger job market (14 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,986)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Columbus grew 44.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.8% growth in Gulfport over the same period.

Columbus, MS

+44.8%

$56,411 (2024) → $81,691 (2025)

Gulfport, MS

+44.8%

$59,758 (2024) → $86,538 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Columbus or Gulfport?

Gulfport has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $90,830/year, compared to Columbus at $85,743/year — a difference of $5,087 (5.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Gulfport?

Columbus nuclear medicine technologists earn $41.22/hr while Gulfport hygienists earn $43.66/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Gulfport as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Gulfport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $100,050, Gulfport = $105,986), job availability (6 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Columbus vs Gulfport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $66,995 in Columbus and $67,189 in Gulfport. The Gulfport area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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