Philadelphia vs State College: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,542▲ | $98,822 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.70▲ | $47.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,959▲ | $80,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,864▲ | $86,334 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,622▲ | $114,594 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,566 | $130,000▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $8,720 (8.82%). 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,State College spans $49,840. State College 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, Philadelphia ($104,864 effective) pays 3.35% more than State College ($101,460 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,864)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,000)
- ✓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 State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$77,250 (2019) → $102,460 (2025)
State College, PA
$89,164 (2024) → $94,152 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Philadelphia or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and State College?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Philadelphia vs State College?
Related Comparisons
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