Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Davenport vs Johnston: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Davenport, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Davenport, IA
$95,158
$45.75/hr
Johnston, IA
$85,534
$41.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDavenport, IAJohnston, IA
Median Salary$95,158$85,534
Hourly Rate$45.75$41.12
Entry Level (P10)$71,422$72,225
25th Percentile$79,858$76,366
75th Percentile$109,814$98,197
Top Earner (P90)$126,011$109,529
Total Employed154
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Davenport ($95,158) and Johnston ($85,534) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.DavenportJohnstonMedian Salary$95,158$85,534Entry Level (P10)$71,422$72,225Top Earner (P90)$126,011$109,529US Median $106,398

Verdict

Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.

The salary gap between Davenport and Johnston is $9,624 (11.25%). Davenport's median is -10.56% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $54,589,Johnston spans $37,304. Davenport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Davenport
P10 (Entry)$71,422
P25$79,858
Median$95,158
P75$109,814
P90 (Top)$126,011
Johnston
P10 (Entry)$72,225
P25$76,366
Median$85,534
P75$98,197
P90 (Top)$109,529

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($105,263 effective) pays 11.25% more than Johnston ($94,617 effective).

Davenport
Nominal: $95,158
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $105,263
Johnston
Nominal: $85,534
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $94,617

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Davenport if…

  • Higher median salary ($95,158/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,011)
  • Larger job market (15 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,263)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Choose Johnston if…

  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Davenport grew 18.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Johnston over the same period.

Davenport, IA

+18.0%

$76,830 (2019) → $90,661 (2025)

Johnston, IA

+15.6%

$70,480 (2024) → $81,492 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Davenport or Johnston?

Davenport has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $95,158/year, compared to Johnston at $85,534/year — a difference of $9,624 (11.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Johnston?

Davenport nuclear medicine technologists earn $45.75/hr while Johnston hygienists earn $41.12/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Davenport to Johnston as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Davenport and Johnston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Davenport = $105,263, Johnston = $94,617), job availability (15 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Davenport vs Johnston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $71,422 in Davenport and $72,225 in Johnston. The Johnston area offers higher starting salaries.
AC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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