Rapid City vs Yankton: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Rapid City, SD and Yankton, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Yankton, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,931▲ | $85,455 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.23▲ | $41.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,136 | $70,005▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,161▲ | $74,729 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,667▲ | $94,695 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,934▲ | $104,325 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yankton.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Yankton is $4,476 (5.24%). Rapid City's median is -15.48% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $50,798,Yankton spans $34,320. Rapid City 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, Rapid City ($96,908 effective) pays 5.24% more than Yankton ($92,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,931/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,934)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,908)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Yankton if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Rapid City grew 11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$76,977 (2024) → $85,681 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$73,147 (2024) → $81,417 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Rapid City or Yankton?
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Should I relocate from Rapid City to Yankton as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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