Kingsport vs Knoxville: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Kingsport, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kingsport, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,095▲ | $86,718 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.68▲ | $41.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,732▲ | $70,050 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,869▲ | $80,053 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,721▲ | $100,205 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,975▲ | $113,378 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Kingsport, TN offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Kingsport and Knoxville is $10,377 (11.97%). Kingsport's median is -8.74% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingsport spans $55,243,Knoxville spans $43,328. Kingsport 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, Kingsport ($105,768 effective) pays 12.90% more than Knoxville ($93,679 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kingsport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,095/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,975)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,768)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Kingsport grew 23.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Kingsport, TN
$74,830 (2024) → $92,507 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$68,050 (2019) → $82,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kingsport, TN
Knoxville, TN
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