Kansas City vs St. Joseph: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Kansas City, MO and St. Joseph, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | St. Joseph, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,714 | $95,607▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.09 | $45.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,508 | $72,056▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,464 | $79,959▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,347▲ | $108,245 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,733▲ | $122,088 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Kansas City and St. Joseph are closely matched on overall nuclear medicine technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Joseph is $3,893 (4.24%). St. Joseph's median is -10.14% 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,St. Joseph spans $50,032. 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, St. Joseph ($106,704 effective) pays 7.67% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,733)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Joseph if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,607/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,704)
- ✓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 St. Joseph over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$82,270 (2019) → $87,380 (2025)
St. Joseph, MO
$77,277 (2024) → $91,089 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Joseph, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Kansas City or St. Joseph?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and St. Joseph?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to St. Joseph as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Kansas City vs St. Joseph?
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