Tampa vs Lakeland: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Tampa, FL and Lakeland, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Lakeland, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,136▲ | $105,023 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.03▲ | $50.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,731 | $86,235▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,059▲ | $90,392 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,872 | $113,210▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,985▲ | $113,976 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.
The salary gap between Tampa and Lakeland is $1,113 (1.06%). 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 Tampa spans $43,254,Lakeland spans $27,741. Tampa 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, Lakeland ($108,114 effective) pays 2.77% more than Tampa ($105,200 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,136/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,985)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,114)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Tampa grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Lakeland over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$75,360 (2019) → $101,120 (2025)
Lakeland, FL
$76,370 (2019) → $100,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakeland, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Tampa or Lakeland?
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Should I relocate from Tampa to Lakeland as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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