Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Idaho Falls vs Meridian: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Idaho Falls, ID
$102,596
$49.32/hr
Meridian, ID
$101,777
$48.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIdaho Falls, IDMeridian, ID
Median Salary$102,596$101,777
Hourly Rate$49.32$48.93
Entry Level (P10)$78,913$80,119
25th Percentile$86,917$88,005
75th Percentile$119,438$116,258
Top Earner (P90)$136,874$138,961
Total Employed930
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Idaho Falls ($102,596) and Meridian ($101,777) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.Idaho FallsMeridianMedian Salary$102,596$101,777Entry Level (P10)$78,913$80,119Top Earner (P90)$136,874$138,961US Median $106,398

Verdict

Idaho Falls and Meridian are closely matched on overall nuclear medicine technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Meridian is $819 (0.80%). Idaho Falls's median is -3.57% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $57,961,Meridian spans $58,842. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.

Idaho Falls
P10 (Entry)$78,913
P25$86,917
Median$102,596
P75$119,438
P90 (Top)$136,874
Meridian
P10 (Entry)$80,119
P25$88,005
Median$101,777
P75$116,258
P90 (Top)$138,961

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($107,656 effective) pays 0.80% more than Meridian ($106,796 effective).

Idaho Falls
Nominal: $102,596
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $107,656
Meridian
Nominal: $101,777
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $106,796

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Idaho Falls if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,596/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,656)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Meridian if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($138,961)
  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Idaho Falls grew 15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Meridian over the same period.

Idaho Falls, ID

+15.2%

$84,855 (2024) → $97,748 (2025)

Meridian, ID

+15.2%

$84,177 (2024) → $96,967 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Idaho Falls or Meridian?

Idaho Falls has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $102,596/year, compared to Meridian at $101,777/year — a difference of $819 (0.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Meridian?

Idaho Falls nuclear medicine technologists earn $49.32/hr while Meridian hygienists earn $48.93/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Meridian as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Idaho Falls and Meridian. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Idaho Falls = $107,656, Meridian = $106,796), job availability (9 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Idaho Falls vs Meridian?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $78,913 in Idaho Falls and $80,119 in Meridian. The Meridian area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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