Chicago vs Crystal Lake: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Chicago, IL and Crystal Lake, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Crystal Lake, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,259▲ | $98,381 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.94▲ | $47.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,113▲ | $79,582 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,044▲ | $85,786 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,322▲ | $113,926 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,689▲ | $129,161 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Chicago and Crystal Lake is $15,878 (16.14%). Chicago's median is +7.39% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $37,576,Crystal Lake spans $49,579. Crystal Lake 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, Chicago ($110,294 effective) pays 8.86% more than Crystal Lake ($101,319 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,259/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,689)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,294)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Chicago grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Crystal Lake over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$85,530 (2019) → $108,860 (2025)
Crystal Lake, IL
$88,767 (2024) → $93,732 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Chicago or Crystal Lake?
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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