Hillsboro vs Salem: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Hillsboro, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,344▲ | $110,835 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.55▲ | $53.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,831▲ | $80,546 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,486▲ | $90,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,516▲ | $132,408 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,306▲ | $153,915 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 44▲ |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Hillsboro and Salem is $25,509 (23.02%). Hillsboro's median is +28.15% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $77,475,Salem spans $73,369. Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro ($132,889 effective) pays 23.02% more than Salem ($108,026 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,344/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,306)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,889)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Hillsboro grew 3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -14.1% growth in Salem over the same period.
Hillsboro, OR
$125,062 (2024) → $129,901 (2025)
Salem, OR
$122,919 (2024) → $105,597 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Hillsboro or Salem?
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Should I relocate from Hillsboro to Salem as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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