Riverside vs San Jose: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Riverside, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,353 | $208,818▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $76.14 | $100.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,602 | $161,932▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $133,698 | $196,517▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $168,282 | $225,884▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,349 | $243,245▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 100 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Jose is $50,465 (31.87%). San Jose's median is +96.26% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $65,747,San Jose spans $81,313. San Jose 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, San Jose ($189,107 effective) pays 27.11% more than Riverside ($148,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($208,818/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($243,245)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $189,107)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Riverside grew 50.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 65.5% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$100,140 (2019) → $150,870 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$120,220 (2019) → $198,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Riverside or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Jose as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Riverside vs San Jose?
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