Cary vs Charlotte: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,804 | $97,224▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.54 | $46.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,423▲ | $70,691 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,888 | $85,081▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,746▲ | $105,684 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,455▲ | $115,508 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cary.
The salary gap between Cary and Charlotte is $420 (0.43%). Charlotte's median is -8.62% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $56,032,Charlotte spans $44,817. Cary 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, Cary ($103,423 effective) pays 3.55% more than Charlotte ($99,873 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,455)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,423)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,224/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Cary grew 11.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Cary, NC
$82,796 (2024) → $92,229 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$70,880 (2019) → $92,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
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