Southaven vs Starkville: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Southaven, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Southaven, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,697▲ | $88,670 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.13▲ | $42.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,091▲ | $67,362 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,314 | $79,565▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,364▲ | $99,687 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,570▲ | $111,168 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Southaven, MS offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Southaven and Starkville is $1,027 (1.16%). Southaven's median is -15.70% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Southaven spans $42,479,Starkville spans $43,806. Starkville 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, Southaven ($104,664 effective) pays 1.16% more than Starkville ($103,466 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Southaven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,697/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,570)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,664)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Southaven grew 44.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.8% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Southaven, MS
$59,012 (2024) → $85,458 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$58,337 (2024) → $84,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Southaven, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Southaven or Starkville?
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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