inconsistent temp reading

I'm trying to get the Temps right in my tub and I'm having a hard time figuring out my hot spot temps. I have the hydrofarm thermostat and a zoo med heat pad. I have the thermostat set at 92 but the thermometer (accurite, the one recommend here) is reading as high as 97 or 98 and my temp gun is reading about 89 or 90 but sometimes lower. Basically I'm getting really inconsistent readings between my thermometer and temp gun. Am I doing something wrong? This is my first reptile so I'm sure I'm doing something wrong but I can't figure it out :(

I should also point out that the heat pad isn't stuck on all the way because of the thermostat probe. Part of it is but I just taped it down with foil tape. Dunno if that matters but that's why I'm here lol

When you shoot the thermometer probe with the temp gun what does it say?

The uth is not going to be exactly the same across the pad. They are made with a heating element zig zagging through the pad so some variation is normal.

Thanks I didn't know that. I figured it out, think the snake was moving the thermometer probe around and that was making it go up and down. Used a hot glue gun so it would stay in place, now it's a steady 90 or 91.