Columbus vs Lakewood: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Columbus, OH and Lakewood, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Lakewood, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,644▲ | $103,803 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.23▲ | $49.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,847▲ | $77,011 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,637▲ | $85,817 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,575 | $118,720▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,101 | $141,541▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lakewood is $4,841 (4.66%). Columbus's median is +2.11% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $32,254,Lakewood spans $64,530. Lakewood 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, Lakewood ($114,447 effective) pays 0.57% more than Columbus ($113,800 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,644/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,541)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,447)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Columbus grew 42.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$72,720 (2019) → $103,510 (2025)
Lakewood, OH
$79,413 (2024) → $98,898 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Lakewood, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Columbus or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lakewood as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Columbus vs Lakewood?
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