Norfolk vs Richmond: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Norfolk, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,143▲ | $102,126 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.03▲ | $49.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,187 | $87,012▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,869 | $98,767▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,689▲ | $106,870 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,098▲ | $111,887 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Richmond is $4,017 (3.93%). Norfolk's median is -0.24% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $70,911,Richmond spans $24,875. Norfolk 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, Richmond ($104,361 effective) pays 1.47% more than Norfolk ($102,852 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,143/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,098)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,361)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Norfolk grew 1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$99,251 (2024) → $101,127 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$73,420 (2019) → $97,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Norfolk or Richmond?
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Should I relocate from Norfolk to Richmond as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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