Covington vs Lexington: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Covington, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Covington, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,751 | $95,503▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.07 | $45.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,598 | $80,032▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,094 | $87,694▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,081▲ | $103,470 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,898 | $121,838▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 30▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Covington.
The salary gap between Covington and Lexington is $1,752 (1.87%). Lexington's median is -10.24% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Covington spans $43,300,Lexington spans $41,806. Covington 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, Covington ($104,984 effective) pays 2.11% more than Lexington ($102,814 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Covington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,984)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,503/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,838)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Covington grew 26.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Covington, KY
$70,491 (2024) → $89,321 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$70,040 (2019) → $90,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Covington, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Covington or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Covington and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Covington to Lexington as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Covington vs Lexington?
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