Jersey City vs Paterson: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Jersey City, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jersey City, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,815▲ | $117,892 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.33▲ | $56.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,507▲ | $92,110 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,868▲ | $101,323 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,824▲ | $141,090 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,951▲ | $160,214 |
| Total Employed | 42▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Jersey City, NJ offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paterson.
The salary gap between Jersey City and Paterson is $15,923 (13.51%). Jersey City's median is +25.77% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jersey City spans $84,444,Paterson spans $68,104. Jersey City 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, Jersey City ($116,159 effective) pays 13.51% more than Paterson ($102,337 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jersey City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,815/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,951)
- ✓Larger job market (42 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,159)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Jersey City grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.7% growth in Paterson over the same period.
Jersey City, NJ
$130,348 (2024) → $127,491 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$124,328 (2024) → $112,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jersey City, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Jersey City or Paterson?
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Should I relocate from Jersey City to Paterson 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