Dearborn vs Grand Rapids: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Dearborn, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,497▲ | $99,859 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.28▲ | $48.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,957 | $83,170▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,532▲ | $86,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,235▲ | $102,388 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,161▲ | $109,820 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Dearborn, MI offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Dearborn and Grand Rapids is $2,638 (2.64%). Dearborn's median is -3.67% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn spans $59,204,Grand Rapids spans $26,650. Dearborn 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, Dearborn ($109,975 effective) pays 5.23% more than Grand Rapids ($104,514 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,497/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,161)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,975)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Dearborn grew 15.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Dearborn, MI
$84,282 (2024) → $97,653 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$71,900 (2019) → $95,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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