Columbia vs Lexington: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,819 | $91,957▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.15 | $44.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,567▲ | $72,151 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,977▲ | $78,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,539 | $101,951▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,829 | $112,345▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lexington, SC offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $138 (0.15%). Lexington's median is -13.57% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $22,262,Lexington spans $40,194. Lexington 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, Lexington ($100,499 effective) pays 2.52% more than Columbia ($98,032 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 (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,957/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,345)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,499)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Columbia grew 34.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$65,260 (2019) → $87,480 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$70,870 (2024) → $87,611 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Columbia or Lexington?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Lexington 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