Austin vs Odessa: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Austin, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Odessa, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,622▲ | $101,030 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.15▲ | $48.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,190▲ | $77,339 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,204▲ | $85,621 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,558▲ | $117,443 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,690 | $135,222▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Odessa.
The salary gap between Austin and Odessa is $11,592 (11.47%). Austin's median is +5.85% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $34,500,Odessa spans $57,883. Odessa 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, Austin ($114,843 effective) pays 9.13% more than Odessa ($105,240 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,622/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,843)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Odessa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,222)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Austin grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Odessa over the same period.
Austin, TX
$80,300 (2019) → $107,300 (2025)
Odessa, TX
$87,358 (2024) → $96,256 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Odessa, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Austin or Odessa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Odessa?
Should I relocate from Austin to Odessa as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Austin vs Odessa?
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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