Des Moines vs Sioux City: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Sioux City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Sioux City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,786▲ | $92,820 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.57▲ | $44.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,901▲ | $70,704 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,314▲ | $78,119 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,041▲ | $105,509 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,434▲ | $119,584 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Sioux City is $1,966 (2.12%). Des Moines's median is -10.91% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $61,533,Sioux City spans $48,880. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($104,852 effective) pays 2.12% more than Sioux City ($102,677 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,786/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,434)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,852)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux City if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Des Moines grew 12.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Sioux City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$80,270 (2021) → $90,307 (2025)
Sioux City, IA
$76,485 (2024) → $88,434 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Sioux City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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