Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Aurora vs Moline: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Aurora, IL and Moline, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Aurora, IL
$102,020
$49.05/hr
Moline, IL
$101,989
$49.04/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, ILMoline, IL
Median Salary$102,020$101,989
Hourly Rate$49.05$49.04
Entry Level (P10)$77,840$79,714
25th Percentile$84,055$87,191
75th Percentile$118,396$116,415
Top Earner (P90)$136,213$127,518
Total Employed4410
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($102,020) and Moline ($101,989) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.AuroraMolineMedian Salary$102,020$101,989Entry Level (P10)$77,840$79,714Top Earner (P90)$136,213$127,518US Median $106,398

Verdict

Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Moline.

The salary gap between Aurora and Moline is $31 (0.03%). Aurora's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $58,373,Moline spans $47,804. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Aurora
P10 (Entry)$77,840
P25$84,055
Median$102,020
P75$118,396
P90 (Top)$136,213
Moline
P10 (Entry)$79,714
P25$87,191
Median$101,989
P75$116,415
P90 (Top)$127,518

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($105,067 effective) pays 0.03% more than Moline ($105,035 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $102,020
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $105,067
Moline
Nominal: $101,989
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $105,035

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aurora if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,020/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($136,213)
  • Larger job market (44 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,067)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Moline if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Aurora grew 5.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Moline over the same period.

Aurora, IL

+5.6%

$92,051 (2024) → $97,199 (2025)

Moline, IL

+5.6%

$92,022 (2024) → $97,169 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Aurora or Moline?

Aurora has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $102,020/year, compared to Moline at $101,989/year — a difference of $31 (0.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Moline?

Aurora nuclear medicine technologists earn $49.05/hr while Moline hygienists earn $49.04/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Aurora to Moline as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Moline. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $105,067, Moline = $105,035), job availability (44 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Aurora vs Moline?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $77,840 in Aurora and $79,714 in Moline. The Moline area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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