Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Clifton vs Newark: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Clifton, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clifton, NJ
$115,791
$55.67/hr
Newark, NJ
$131,752
$63.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClifton, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$115,791$131,752
Hourly Rate$55.67$63.34
Entry Level (P10)$92,648$92,385
25th Percentile$100,786$113,469
75th Percentile$130,541$158,982
Top Earner (P90)$158,960$187,658
Total Employed1461
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clifton ($115,791) and Newark ($131,752) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.CliftonNewarkMedian Salary$115,791$131,752Entry Level (P10)$92,648$92,385Top Earner (P90)$158,960$187,658US Median $106,398

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clifton.

The salary gap between Clifton and Newark is $15,961 (13.78%). Newark's median is +23.83% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clifton spans $66,312,Newark spans $95,273. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.

Clifton
P10 (Entry)$92,648
P25$100,786
Median$115,791
P75$130,541
P90 (Top)$158,960
Newark
P10 (Entry)$92,385
P25$113,469
Median$131,752
P75$158,982
P90 (Top)$187,658

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($114,368 effective) pays 13.78% more than Clifton ($100,513 effective).

Clifton
Nominal: $115,791
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $100,513
Newark
Nominal: $131,752
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $114,368

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clifton if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($131,752/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($187,658)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,368)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Clifton grew -9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.1% growth in Newark over the same period.

Clifton, NJ

+-9.7%

$122,113 (2024) → $110,319 (2025)

Newark, NJ

+-4.1%

$130,830 (2024) → $125,526 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Clifton or Newark?

Newark has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $131,752/year, compared to Clifton at $115,791/year — a difference of $15,961 (13.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clifton and Newark?

Clifton nuclear medicine technologists earn $55.67/hr while Newark hygienists earn $63.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clifton to Newark as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clifton and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clifton = $100,513, Newark = $114,368), job availability (14 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Clifton vs Newark?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $92,648 in Clifton and $92,385 in Newark. The Clifton area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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