Berkeley vs Los Angeles: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Berkeley, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Berkeley, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $176,945▲ | $164,168 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.07▲ | $78.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $138,759▲ | $129,206 |
| 25th Percentile | $153,001▲ | $139,471 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,985▲ | $176,469 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $230,590▲ | $186,000 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 460▲ |
Verdict
Berkeley, CA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Berkeley and Los Angeles is $12,777 (7.78%). Berkeley's median is +66.30% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Berkeley spans $91,831,Los Angeles spans $56,794. Berkeley 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, Berkeley ($156,450 effective) pays 8.23% more than Los Angeles ($144,557 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Berkeley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,945/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($230,590)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,450)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Berkeley grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Berkeley, CA
$149,850 (2024) → $168,583 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$112,050 (2019) → $156,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Berkeley, CA
Los Angeles, 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