Urbandale vs West Des Moines: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Urbandale, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Urbandale, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,050 | $90,055▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.33 | $43.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,608▲ | $71,434 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,129▲ | $75,946 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,472 | $104,630▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,823 | $119,335▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 16▲ |
Verdict
West Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Urbandale.
The salary gap between Urbandale and West Des Moines is $2,005 (2.28%). West Des Moines's median is -15.36% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Urbandale spans $41,215,West Des Moines spans $47,901. West Des Moines 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, West Des Moines ($99,618 effective) pays 2.28% more than Urbandale ($97,400 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Urbandale if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,055/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,335)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,618)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Urbandale grew 15.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Urbandale, IA
$72,553 (2024) → $83,889 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$74,205 (2024) → $85,799 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urbandale, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Urbandale or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Urbandale and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Urbandale to West Des Moines as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Urbandale vs West Des Moines?
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