Las Cruces vs Los Alamos: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,769▲ | $92,574 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.89▲ | $44.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,393▲ | $76,682 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,904▲ | $81,863 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,821▲ | $105,401 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,532▲ | $117,569 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Alamos is $11,195 (12.09%). Las Cruces's median is -2.47% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $59,139,Los Alamos spans $40,887. Las Cruces 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, Las Cruces ($109,925 effective) pays 12.09% more than Los Alamos ($98,066 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,769/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,532)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,925)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Las Cruces grew 23.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$79,974 (2024) → $98,865 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$71,346 (2024) → $88,199 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Las Cruces or Los Alamos?
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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