Austin vs Houston: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,622▲ | $112,549 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.15▲ | $54.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,190 | $98,526▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,204▲ | $101,717 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,558▲ | $121,103 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,690 | $133,761▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Austin and Houston are closely matched on overall nuclear medicine technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Austin and Houston is $73 (0.06%). Austin's median is +5.85% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $34,500,Houston spans $35,235. Houston 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, Austin ($114,843 effective) pays 0.64% more than Houston ($114,113 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,622/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,843)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,761)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Austin grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$80,300 (2019) → $107,300 (2025)
Houston, TX
$79,970 (2019) → $107,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Austin or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Houston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Houston as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Austin vs Houston?
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