Kansas City vs Independence: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Kansas City, MO and Independence, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Independence, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,714 | $97,292▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.09 | $46.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,508 | $76,442▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,464 | $83,942▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,347 | $110,871▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,733 | $136,394▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Independence, MO offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kansas City.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Independence is $5,578 (6.08%). Independence's median is -8.56% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $64,225,Independence spans $59,952. Kansas 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, Independence ($108,585 effective) pays 9.57% more than Kansas City ($99,104 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,292/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,394)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,585)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Kansas City grew 6.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Independence over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$82,270 (2019) → $87,380 (2025)
Independence, MO
$78,639 (2024) → $92,694 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Independence, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Kansas City or Independence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Independence?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Independence as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Kansas City vs Independence?
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