Baltimore vs Columbia: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Columbia, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Columbia, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,600 | $107,505▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.77 | $51.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,949▲ | $80,393 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,612▲ | $89,667 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,605 | $126,043▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,676 | $145,133▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Columbia, MD offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Columbia is $1,905 (1.80%). Columbia's median is +1.04% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $39,727,Columbia spans $64,740. Columbia 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, Baltimore ($101,065 effective) pays 2.75% more than Columbia ($98,358 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,065)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,505/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,133)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Baltimore grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.6% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$80,430 (2019) → $100,610 (2025)
Columbia, MD
$114,632 (2024) → $102,425 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Columbia, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Baltimore or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Columbia as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Baltimore vs Columbia?
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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