Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Phoenix vs Sierra Vista: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Phoenix, AZ
$105,096
$50.53/hr
Sierra Vista, AZ
$100,263
$48.21/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZSierra Vista, AZ
Median Salary$105,096$100,263
Hourly Rate$50.53$48.21
Entry Level (P10)$88,775$81,435
25th Percentile$102,063$87,984
75th Percentile$115,949$114,484
Top Earner (P90)$128,943$128,971
Total Employed3209
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($105,096) and Sierra Vista ($100,263) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.PhoenixSierra VistaMedian Salary$105,096$100,263Entry Level (P10)$88,775$81,435Top Earner (P90)$128,943$128,971US Median $106,398

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sierra Vista.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Sierra Vista is $4,833 (4.82%). Phoenix's median is -1.22% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $40,168,Sierra Vista spans $47,536. Sierra Vista has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$88,775
P25$102,063
Median$105,096
P75$115,949
P90 (Top)$128,943
Sierra Vista
P10 (Entry)$81,435
P25$87,984
Median$100,263
P75$114,484
P90 (Top)$128,971

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sierra Vista ($101,790 effective) pays 0.07% more than Phoenix ($101,723 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $105,096
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $101,723
Sierra Vista
Nominal: $100,263
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $101,790

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,096/year)
  • Larger job market (320 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Sierra Vista if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($128,971)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,790)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Phoenix grew 16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Sierra Vista over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+16.5%

$85,920 (2019) → $100,130 (2025)

Sierra Vista, AZ

+5.6%

$90,465 (2024) → $95,525 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Phoenix or Sierra Vista?

Phoenix has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $105,096/year, compared to Sierra Vista at $100,263/year — a difference of $4,833 (4.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Sierra Vista?

Phoenix nuclear medicine technologists earn $50.53/hr while Sierra Vista hygienists earn $48.21/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Sierra Vista as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Sierra Vista. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $101,723, Sierra Vista = $101,790), job availability (320 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Phoenix vs Sierra Vista?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $88,775 in Phoenix and $81,435 in Sierra Vista. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

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