Chattanooga vs Knoxville: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,875▲ | $86,718 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.76▲ | $41.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,950▲ | $70,050 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,494▲ | $80,053 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,426▲ | $100,205 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,866 | $113,378▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga and Knoxville are closely matched on overall nuclear medicine technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $157 (0.18%). Chattanooga's median is -18.35% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $32,916,Knoxville spans $43,328. Knoxville 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, Chattanooga ($94,983 effective) pays 1.39% more than Knoxville ($93,679 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,875/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,983)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,378)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Chattanooga grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$67,890 (2019) → $82,770 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$68,050 (2019) → $82,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Chattanooga or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Knoxville as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Chattanooga vs Knoxville?
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