Arvada vs Aurora: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Arvada, CO and Aurora, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Aurora, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,393 | $121,246▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.00 | $58.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,482▲ | $89,924 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,153 | $101,093▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,825 | $142,810▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,484 | $166,725▲ |
| Total Employed | 31 | 54▲ |
Verdict
Aurora, CO offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arvada.
The salary gap between Arvada and Aurora is $6,853 (5.99%). Aurora's median is +13.96% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $59,002,Aurora spans $76,801. Aurora 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, Aurora ($115,472 effective) pays 5.99% more than Arvada ($108,946 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,246/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,725)
- ✓Larger job market (54 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,472)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Arvada grew -0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.0% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$109,664 (2024) → $108,987 (2025)
Aurora, CO
$109,985 (2024) → $115,516 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Aurora, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Arvada or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Aurora as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Arvada vs Aurora?
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