Costa Mesa vs Riverside: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $177,129▲ | $158,353 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.15▲ | $76.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $134,837▲ | $108,602 |
| 25th Percentile | $149,541▲ | $133,698 |
| 75th Percentile | $209,237▲ | $168,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $242,683▲ | $174,349 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Costa Mesa, CA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and Riverside is $18,776 (11.86%). Costa Mesa's median is +66.48% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $107,846,Riverside spans $65,747. Costa Mesa 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, Costa Mesa ($156,613 effective) pays 5.27% more than Riverside ($148,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($177,129/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($242,683)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,613)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Costa Mesa grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.7% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$150,007 (2024) → $168,759 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$100,140 (2019) → $150,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Costa Mesa or Riverside?
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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