Natchitoches vs New Orleans: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Natchitoches, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Natchitoches, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,782 | $99,974▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.16 | $48.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,448 | $77,838▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,904 | $84,650▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,419 | $105,821▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,239▲ | $111,887 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 30▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Natchitoches.
The salary gap between Natchitoches and New Orleans is $10,192 (11.35%). New Orleans's median is -6.04% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Natchitoches spans $36,791,New Orleans spans $34,049. Natchitoches 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, New Orleans ($107,967 effective) pays 8.59% more than Natchitoches ($99,426 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Natchitoches if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,239)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,974/year)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,967)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Natchitoches grew 23.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.6% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Natchitoches, LA
$69,194 (2024) → $85,539 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$69,730 (2019) → $95,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Natchitoches, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Natchitoches or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Natchitoches and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Natchitoches to New Orleans as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Natchitoches vs New Orleans?
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