Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Marana vs Mesa: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Marana, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Marana, AZ
$105,675
$50.80/hr
Mesa, AZ
$104,587
$50.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMarana, AZMesa, AZ
Median Salary$105,675$104,587
Hourly Rate$50.80$50.29
Entry Level (P10)$80,578$80,299
25th Percentile$89,099$89,300
75th Percentile$120,344$121,470
Top Earner (P90)$136,111$140,322
Total Employed798
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Marana ($105,675) and Mesa ($104,587) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.MaranaMesaMedian Salary$105,675$104,587Entry Level (P10)$80,578$80,299Top Earner (P90)$136,111$140,322US Median $106,398

Verdict

Marana and Mesa are closely matched on overall nuclear medicine technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Marana and Mesa is $1,088 (1.04%). Marana's median is -0.68% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Marana spans $55,533,Mesa spans $60,023. Mesa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.

Marana
P10 (Entry)$80,578
P25$89,099
Median$105,675
P75$120,344
P90 (Top)$136,111
Mesa
P10 (Entry)$80,299
P25$89,300
Median$104,587
P75$121,470
P90 (Top)$140,322

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Marana ($107,284 effective) pays 1.04% more than Mesa ($106,180 effective).

Marana
Nominal: $105,675
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $107,284
Mesa
Nominal: $104,587
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $106,180

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Marana if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,675/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,284)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Mesa if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($140,322)
  • Larger job market (98 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Marana grew 5.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in Mesa over the same period.

Marana, AZ

+5.6%

$95,348 (2024) → $100,681 (2025)

Mesa, AZ

+-2.0%

$101,631 (2024) → $99,645 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Marana or Mesa?

Marana has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $105,675/year, compared to Mesa at $104,587/year — a difference of $1,088 (1.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Marana and Mesa?

Marana nuclear medicine technologists earn $50.80/hr while Mesa hygienists earn $50.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Marana to Mesa as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Marana and Mesa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Marana = $107,284, Mesa = $106,180), job availability (7 vs 98 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Marana vs Mesa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $80,578 in Marana and $80,299 in Mesa. The Marana area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AC

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