Roanoke vs Virginia Beach: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Roanoke, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,865▲ | $104,582 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.34▲ | $50.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,623 | $86,970▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,560 | $100,888▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,941▲ | $113,073 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,938▲ | $113,073 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Virginia Beach is $4,283 (4.10%). Roanoke's median is +2.32% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $62,315,Virginia Beach spans $26,103. Roanoke 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, Virginia Beach ($106,781 effective) pays 1.22% more than Roanoke ($105,489 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,865/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,938)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,781)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Roanoke grew 42.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$72,660 (2019) → $103,720 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$73,540 (2019) → $99,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Roanoke or Virginia Beach?
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Should I relocate from Roanoke to Virginia Beach as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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