Tampa vs Palm Bay: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Tampa, FL and Palm Bay, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,136▲ | $88,901 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.03▲ | $42.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,731▲ | $82,950 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,059▲ | $85,437 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,872▲ | $101,948 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,985▲ | $107,815 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Palm Bay.
The salary gap between Tampa and Palm Bay is $17,235 (19.39%). 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,Palm Bay spans $24,865. 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, Tampa ($105,200 effective) pays 18.34% more than Palm Bay ($88,897 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,200)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓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 16.2% growth in Palm Bay over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$75,360 (2019) → $101,120 (2025)
Palm Bay, FL
$72,920 (2019) → $84,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Tampa or Palm Bay?
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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