Auburn vs Birmingham: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Auburn, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,430▲ | $89,951 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.96▲ | $43.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,489 | $81,942▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,151 | $86,456▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,168▲ | $94,443 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,172▲ | $105,884 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, AL offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Birmingham.
The salary gap between Auburn and Birmingham is $1,479 (1.64%). Auburn's median is -14.07% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $48,683,Birmingham spans $23,942. Auburn 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, Auburn ($104,016 effective) pays 5.97% more than Birmingham ($98,153 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,430/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,172)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,016)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Auburn grew 30.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$67,027 (2024) → $87,109 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$64,280 (2019) → $85,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Auburn or Birmingham?
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Should I relocate from Auburn to Birmingham 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