Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Newton vs Worcester: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Newton, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newton, MA
$128,531
$61.79/hr
Worcester, MA
$116,925
$56.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewton, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$128,531$116,925
Hourly Rate$61.79$56.22
Entry Level (P10)$102,957$102,326
25th Percentile$109,147$106,303
75th Percentile$149,889$130,602
Top Earner (P90)$171,906$134,716
Total Employed1640
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newton ($128,531) and Worcester ($116,925) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.NewtonWorcesterMedian Salary$128,531$116,925Entry Level (P10)$102,957$102,326Top Earner (P90)$171,906$134,716US Median $106,398

Verdict

Newton, MA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.

The salary gap between Newton and Worcester is $11,606 (9.93%). Newton's median is +20.80% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newton spans $68,949,Worcester spans $32,390. Newton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newton
P10 (Entry)$102,957
P25$109,147
Median$128,531
P75$149,889
P90 (Top)$171,906
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$102,326
P25$106,303
Median$116,925
P75$130,602
P90 (Top)$134,716

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newton ($118,462 effective) pays 3.87% more than Worcester ($114,048 effective).

Newton
Nominal: $128,531
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $118,462
Worcester
Nominal: $116,925
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $114,048

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newton if…

  • Higher median salary ($128,531/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($171,906)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,462)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Newton grew -0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Newton, MA

+-0.9%

$123,600 (2024) → $122,457 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+42.9%

$77,980 (2021) → $111,400 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Newton or Worcester?

Newton has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $128,531/year, compared to Worcester at $116,925/year — a difference of $11,606 (9.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newton and Worcester?

Newton nuclear medicine technologists earn $61.79/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $56.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newton to Worcester as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newton and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newton = $118,462, Worcester = $114,048), job availability (16 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Newton vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $102,957 in Newton and $102,326 in Worcester. The Newton 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