Altoona vs Pittsburgh: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Altoona, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,730▲ | $86,938 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.95▲ | $41.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,278▲ | $74,815 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,028▲ | $83,065 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,638▲ | $102,116 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,167▲ | $110,523 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Altoona, PA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Altoona and Pittsburgh is $12,792 (14.71%). Altoona's median is -6.27% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $46,889,Pittsburgh spans $35,708. Altoona 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, Altoona ($102,392 effective) pays 11.50% more than Pittsburgh ($91,832 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,730/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,167)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,392)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Altoona grew 5.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$89,984 (2024) → $95,017 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$63,390 (2019) → $82,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Altoona or Pittsburgh?
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Should I relocate from Altoona to Pittsburgh as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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Related Comparisons
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