Mesa vs Tempe: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,587 | $105,244▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.29 | $50.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,299 | $83,034▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,300 | $91,063▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,470▲ | $120,199 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,322▲ | $137,255 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 43 |
Verdict
Mesa and Tempe are closely matched on overall nuclear medicine technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Mesa and Tempe is $657 (0.63%). Tempe's median is -1.08% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $60,023,Tempe spans $54,221. Mesa 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, Tempe ($106,847 effective) pays 0.63% more than Mesa ($106,180 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,322)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tempe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,244/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,847)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Mesa grew -2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Tempe over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$101,631 (2024) → $99,645 (2025)
Tempe, AZ
$94,959 (2024) → $100,271 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Mesa or Tempe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Tempe?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Tempe as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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