Rockford vs Urbana: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Rockford, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,471▲ | $99,848 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.27▲ | $48.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,776 | $83,180▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,173 | $88,847▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,801▲ | $115,200 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,265▲ | $130,390 |
| Total Employed | 34▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Urbana.
The salary gap between Rockford and Urbana is $2,623 (2.63%). Rockford's median is -3.69% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $62,489,Urbana spans $47,210. Rockford 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, Rockford ($105,531 effective) pays 2.63% more than Urbana ($102,830 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,471/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,265)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,531)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Urbana if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Rockford grew 5.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$92,457 (2024) → $97,629 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$90,090 (2024) → $95,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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