Charlottesville vs Richmond: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,243▲ | $102,126 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.60▲ | $49.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,244 | $87,012▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,589 | $98,767▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,400▲ | $106,870 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,752▲ | $111,887 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Richmond is $3,117 (3.05%). Charlottesville's median is -1.09% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $49,508,Richmond spans $24,875. Charlottesville 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, Richmond ($104,361 effective) pays 2.34% more than Charlottesville ($101,980 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,243/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,752)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,361)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Charlottesville grew 10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$91,002 (2024) → $100,270 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$73,420 (2019) → $97,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Charlottesville or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Richmond as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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