Lexington vs Paducah: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,503▲ | $90,309 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.91▲ | $43.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,032▲ | $72,778 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,694▲ | $78,544 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,470 | $104,381▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,838▲ | $118,241 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $5,194 (5.75%). Lexington's median is -10.24% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $41,806,Paducah spans $45,463. Paducah has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($102,814 effective) pays 1.67% more than Paducah ($101,130 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,503/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,838)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,814)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Lexington grew 29.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$70,040 (2019) → $90,990 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$67,903 (2024) → $86,041 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Lexington or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Paducah as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Lexington vs Paducah?
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