Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Aurora vs Schaumburg: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Aurora, IL
$102,020
$49.05/hr
Schaumburg, IL
$101,456
$48.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, ILSchaumburg, IL
Median Salary$102,020$101,456
Hourly Rate$49.05$48.77
Entry Level (P10)$77,840$81,166
25th Percentile$84,055$88,376
75th Percentile$118,396$114,517
Top Earner (P90)$136,213$139,119
Total Employed4413
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($102,020) and Schaumburg ($101,456) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.AuroraSchaumburgMedian Salary$102,020$101,456Entry Level (P10)$77,840$81,166Top Earner (P90)$136,213$139,119US Median $106,398

Verdict

Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Schaumburg.

The salary gap between Aurora and Schaumburg is $564 (0.56%). 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,Schaumburg spans $57,953. 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
Schaumburg
P10 (Entry)$81,166
P25$88,376
Median$101,456
P75$114,517
P90 (Top)$139,119

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($105,067 effective) pays 0.56% more than Schaumburg ($104,486 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $102,020
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $105,067
Schaumburg
Nominal: $101,456
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $104,486

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)
  • Larger job market (44 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,067)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Schaumburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($139,119)
  • 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 Schaumburg over the same period.

Aurora, IL

+5.6%

$92,051 (2024) → $97,199 (2025)

Schaumburg, IL

+5.6%

$91,542 (2024) → $96,662 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Aurora has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $102,020/year, compared to Schaumburg at $101,456/year — a difference of $564 (0.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Schaumburg?

Aurora nuclear medicine technologists earn $49.05/hr while Schaumburg hygienists earn $48.77/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Schaumburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $105,067, Schaumburg = $104,486), job availability (44 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $77,840 in Aurora and $81,166 in Schaumburg. The Schaumburg area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AC

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