Seattle vs Federal Way: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Seattle, WA and Federal Way, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Federal Way, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,996▲ | $113,239 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.31▲ | $54.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,055▲ | $87,011 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,098▲ | $96,216 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,529▲ | $131,889 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,323▲ | $151,987 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Seattle and Federal Way is $26,757 (23.63%). Seattle's median is +31.58% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $60,268,Federal Way spans $64,976. Federal Way has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($125,972 effective) pays 19.48% more than Federal Way ($105,437 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,996/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,323)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,972)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Seattle grew 31.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -16.9% growth in Federal Way over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$101,630 (2019) → $133,380 (2025)
Federal Way, WA
$129,845 (2024) → $107,888 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Federal Way, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Seattle or Federal Way?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Federal Way?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Federal Way as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Seattle vs Federal Way?
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