Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,266 | $100,762▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.76 | $48.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,948 | $71,379▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,152▲ | $81,436 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,126 | $118,236▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,291 | $137,796▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Winston-Salem, NC offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $3,496 (3.59%). Winston-Salem's median is -5.30% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $45,343,Winston-Salem spans $66,417. Winston-Salem 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, Winston-Salem ($107,652 effective) pays 8.64% more than Raleigh ($99,092 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,762/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,796)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,652)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Raleigh grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$70,250 (2019) → $92,670 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$85,365 (2024) → $96,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston-Salem as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Raleigh vs Winston-Salem?
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