Bethlehem vs Philadelphia: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,033▲ | $107,542 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.38▲ | $51.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,360 | $86,959▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,374 | $101,864▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,138▲ | $123,622 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,594▲ | $128,566 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Bethlehem, PA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Philadelphia.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Philadelphia is $3,491 (3.25%). Bethlehem's median is +4.36% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethlehem spans $59,234,Philadelphia spans $41,607. Bethlehem 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, Bethlehem ($113,997 effective) pays 8.71% more than Philadelphia ($104,864 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,033/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,594)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,997)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Bethlehem grew 11.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$94,824 (2024) → $105,786 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$77,250 (2019) → $102,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Bethlehem or Philadelphia?
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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