La Mirada vs Riverside: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between La Mirada, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Mirada, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $175,162▲ | $158,353 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.21▲ | $76.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $139,381▲ | $108,602 |
| 25th Percentile | $151,165▲ | $133,698 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,448▲ | $168,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,830▲ | $174,349 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 160▲ |
Verdict
La Mirada, CA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between La Mirada and Riverside is $16,809 (10.61%). La Mirada's median is +64.63% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Mirada spans $81,449,Riverside spans $65,747. La Mirada 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, La Mirada ($154,874 effective) pays 4.10% more than Riverside ($148,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Mirada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,162/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,830)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,874)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in La Mirada grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.7% growth in Riverside over the same period.
La Mirada, CA
$148,341 (2024) → $166,885 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$100,140 (2019) → $150,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Mirada, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: La Mirada or Riverside?
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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