Gardner vs Wichita: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Gardner, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gardner, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,687▲ | $67,815 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.12▲ | $32.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,597▲ | $59,009 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,975▲ | $59,061 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,740▲ | $67,815 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,914▲ | $98,767 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Gardner, KS offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Gardner and Wichita is $21,872 (32.25%). Gardner's median is -15.71% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gardner spans $39,317,Wichita spans $39,758. Wichita has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gardner ($98,666 effective) pays 29.41% more than Wichita ($76,243 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,687/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,914)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,666)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Gardner grew 23.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$69,121 (2024) → $85,449 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$61,790 (2021) → $64,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Wichita, KS
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