Philadelphia vs Reading: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,542▲ | $102,172 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.70▲ | $49.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,959▲ | $79,502 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,864▲ | $87,245 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,622▲ | $119,788 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,566 | $137,191▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reading.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Reading is $5,370 (5.26%). Philadelphia's median is +1.08% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $41,607,Reading spans $57,689. Reading has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Reading ($104,899 effective) pays 0.03% more than Philadelphia ($104,864 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,542/year)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Reading if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,191)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,899)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Philadelphia grew 32.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Reading over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$77,250 (2019) → $102,460 (2025)
Reading, PA
$92,188 (2024) → $97,344 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Philadelphia or Reading?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Reading?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Reading as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Philadelphia vs Reading?
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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