Paterson vs Princeton: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Paterson, NJ and Princeton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Paterson, NJ | Princeton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,892▲ | $116,710 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.68▲ | $56.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,110 | $92,130▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,323▲ | $100,085 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,090▲ | $131,178 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,214▲ | $146,123 |
| Total Employed | 31▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Paterson, NJ offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Princeton.
The salary gap between Paterson and Princeton is $1,182 (1.01%). Paterson's median is +10.80% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Paterson spans $68,104,Princeton spans $53,993. Paterson 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, Paterson ($102,337 effective) pays 1.01% more than Princeton ($101,311 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,892/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,214)
- ✓Larger job market (31 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,337)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Princeton if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Paterson grew -9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.7% growth in Princeton over the same period.
Paterson, NJ
$124,328 (2024) → $112,321 (2025)
Princeton, NJ
$123,083 (2024) → $111,195 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Paterson, NJ
Princeton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Paterson or Princeton?
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Should I relocate from Paterson to Princeton 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