Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Memphis vs Nashville: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Memphis, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Memphis, TN
$88,660
$42.62/hr
Nashville, TN
$99,187
$47.68/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$88,660$99,187
Hourly Rate$42.62$47.68
Entry Level (P10)$81,932$82,089
25th Percentile$88,145$86,162
75th Percentile$103,239$106,702
Top Earner (P90)$110,890$134,464
Total Employed90100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($88,660) and Nashville ($99,187) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.MemphisNashvilleMedian Salary$88,660$99,187Entry Level (P10)$81,932$82,089Top Earner (P90)$110,890$134,464US Median $106,398

Verdict

Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.

The salary gap between Memphis and Nashville is $10,527 (11.87%). Nashville's median is -6.78% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $28,958,Nashville spans $52,375. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$81,932
P25$88,145
Median$88,660
P75$103,239
P90 (Top)$110,890
Nashville
P10 (Entry)$82,089
P25$86,162
Median$99,187
P75$106,702
P90 (Top)$134,464

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($102,957 effective) pays 7.04% more than Memphis ($96,182 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $88,660
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $96,182
Nashville
Nominal: $99,187
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $102,957

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Memphis if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,187/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($134,464)
  • Larger job market (100 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,957)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Memphis grew 16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Nashville over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+16.5%

$72,510 (2019) → $84,470 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+28.8%

$73,350 (2019) → $94,500 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Memphis or Nashville?

Nashville has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $99,187/year, compared to Memphis at $88,660/year — a difference of $10,527 (11.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Nashville?

Memphis nuclear medicine technologists earn $42.62/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $47.68/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Nashville as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $96,182, Nashville = $102,957), job availability (90 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Memphis vs Nashville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $81,932 in Memphis and $82,089 in Nashville. The Nashville area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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