Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,435 | $112,706▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.73 | $54.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,240 | $110,030▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,397 | $112,696▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,808 | $124,367▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,278▲ | $127,505 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis is $9,271 (8.96%). Minneapolis's median is +5.93% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $48,038,Minneapolis spans $17,475. Cottage Grove 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, Minneapolis ($107,521 effective) pays 2.39% more than Cottage Grove ($105,010 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,278)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,706/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,521)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Cottage Grove grew 1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$97,215 (2024) → $98,547 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$90,020 (2019) → $107,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Cottage Grove or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to Minneapolis as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis?
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