Tampa vs Winter Haven: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Tampa, FL and Winter Haven, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Winter Haven, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,136 | $107,178▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.03 | $51.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,731▲ | $82,176 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,059▲ | $90,603 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,872 | $124,576▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,985 | $142,661▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Winter Haven, FL offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Tampa and Winter Haven is $1,042 (0.98%). Winter Haven's median is +0.73% 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,Winter Haven spans $60,485. Winter Haven 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, Winter Haven ($106,327 effective) pays 1.07% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Winter Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,178/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,661)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,327)
- ✓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 16.6% growth in Winter Haven over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$75,360 (2019) → $101,120 (2025)
Winter Haven, FL
$87,582 (2024) → $102,113 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Winter Haven, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Tampa or Winter Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Winter Haven?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Winter Haven as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Tampa vs Winter Haven?
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