Gallup vs Las Cruces: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Gallup, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gallup, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,382 | $103,769▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.89 | $49.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,119▲ | $78,393 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,566 | $84,904▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,250 | $119,821▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,895 | $137,532▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 28▲ |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gallup.
The salary gap between Gallup and Las Cruces is $10,387 (11.12%). Las Cruces's median is -2.47% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gallup spans $37,776,Las Cruces spans $59,139. Las Cruces 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, Las Cruces ($109,925 effective) pays 11.12% more than Gallup ($98,922 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gallup if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,769/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,532)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,925)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Gallup grew 23.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Gallup, NM
$71,969 (2024) → $88,969 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$79,974 (2024) → $98,865 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gallup, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Gallup or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gallup and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Gallup to Las Cruces as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Gallup vs Las Cruces?
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