Chesapeake vs Fairfax: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Fairfax, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Fairfax, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,988▲ | $104,829 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.48▲ | $50.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,002 | $84,178▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,715 | $90,768▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,162▲ | $117,538 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,784▲ | $130,200 |
| Total Employed | 63▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfax.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Fairfax is $159 (0.15%). Chesapeake's median is -1.33% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $75,782,Fairfax spans $46,022. Chesapeake 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, Chesapeake ($101,733 effective) pays 0.15% more than Fairfax ($101,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,988/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,784)
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,733)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Chesapeake grew 1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Fairfax over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$98,172 (2024) → $100,027 (2025)
Fairfax, VA
$90,643 (2024) → $99,875 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Fairfax, VA
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