Chester vs Pittsburgh: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Chester, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,140▲ | $86,938 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.15▲ | $41.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,397▲ | $74,815 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,086▲ | $83,065 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,758▲ | $102,116 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,570▲ | $110,523 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Chester, PA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Chester and Pittsburgh is $13,202 (15.19%). Chester's median is -5.88% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $41,173,Pittsburgh spans $35,708. Chester 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, Chester ($102,813 effective) pays 11.96% more than Pittsburgh ($91,832 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,140/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,570)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,813)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Chester grew 5.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Chester, PA
$90,354 (2024) → $95,408 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$63,390 (2019) → $82,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Chester or Pittsburgh?
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Should I relocate from Chester to Pittsburgh as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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