Tacoma vs Wenatchee: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Tacoma, WA and Wenatchee, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tacoma, WA | Wenatchee, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,660▲ | $108,347 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.19▲ | $52.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,073▲ | $86,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,630▲ | $93,916 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,179▲ | $125,087 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $195,634▲ | $137,250 |
| Total Employed | 56▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wenatchee.
The salary gap between Tacoma and Wenatchee is $29,313 (27.05%). Tacoma's median is +29.38% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tacoma spans $92,561,Wenatchee spans $50,364. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($128,175 effective) pays 27.05% more than Wenatchee ($100,882 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,660/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,634)
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,175)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Wenatchee if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Tacoma grew -1.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -16.9% growth in Wenatchee over the same period.
Tacoma, WA
$132,708 (2024) → $131,155 (2025)
Wenatchee, WA
$124,235 (2024) → $103,227 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tacoma, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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