Columbia vs Gaithersburg: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Columbia, MD and Gaithersburg, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Gaithersburg, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,505 | $117,142▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.68 | $56.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,393 | $89,246▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,667 | $98,598▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,043 | $135,910▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,133 | $150,638▲ |
| Total Employed | 24▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Gaithersburg, MD offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Gaithersburg is $9,637 (8.96%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $64,740,Gaithersburg spans $61,392. Columbia 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, Gaithersburg ($107,175 effective) pays 8.96% more than Columbia ($98,358 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (24 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,638)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,175)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Columbia grew -10.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.6% growth in Gaithersburg over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$114,632 (2024) → $102,425 (2025)
Gaithersburg, MD
$112,300 (2024) → $111,606 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Columbia or Gaithersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Gaithersburg?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Gaithersburg as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Columbia vs Gaithersburg?
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