Bakersfield vs Long Beach: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Bakersfield, CA and Long Beach, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $188,765▲ | $164,713 |
| Hourly Rate | $90.75▲ | $79.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $136,896▲ | $115,959 |
| 25th Percentile | $155,569▲ | $142,211 |
| 75th Percentile | $220,425▲ | $199,387 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $256,305▲ | $234,799 |
| Total Employed | 101▲ | 89 |
Verdict
Bakersfield, CA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Long Beach.
The salary gap between Bakersfield and Long Beach is $24,052 (14.60%). Bakersfield's median is +77.41% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bakersfield spans $119,409,Long Beach spans $118,840. Bakersfield 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, Bakersfield ($166,901 effective) pays 14.60% more than Long Beach ($145,635 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($188,765/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($256,305)
- ✓Larger job market (101 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,901)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Long Beach if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Bakersfield grew 65.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -0.2% growth in Long Beach over the same period.
Bakersfield, CA
$108,450 (2020) → $179,845 (2025)
Long Beach, CA
$157,277 (2024) → $156,929 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bakersfield, CA
Long Beach, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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