Panama City vs Tampa: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Panama City, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Panama City, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,418 | $106,136▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.75 | $51.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,499 | $85,731▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,296 | $96,059▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,306▲ | $109,872 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,496 | $128,985▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Panama City.
The salary gap between Panama City and Tampa is $4,718 (4.65%). Tampa's median is -0.25% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Panama City spans $46,997,Tampa spans $43,254. Panama 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, Tampa ($105,200 effective) pays 4.56% more than Panama City ($100,613 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Panama City if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,136/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,985)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,200)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Panama City grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Panama City, FL
$85,981 (2024) → $96,625 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$75,360 (2019) → $101,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Panama City, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Panama City or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Panama City and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Panama City to Tampa as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Panama City vs Tampa?
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